Right through the middle of my hometown
Runs a river I used as my playground
Skipping flat rocks and catfish fishing
Supper time, mama knew if I was missing
I was down by the river, down by river
Down by the river, down by the river
With the first drag off of a lucky strike
Was a taste of freedom rolled up tight
Daddy's six pack turned into five
When he caught me there was nowhere to hide
Down by the river, down by river
Down by the river, down by the river
Katie was the match to my gasoline
And we fell on the banks like Adam and Eve
The preacher man washed my sins downstream
The water was muddy but my soul was clean
Down by the river
Well, I went and grew up and I moved away
I met a girl, bought a house
Now I spend my days working like crazy
Running like hell, have to go back home to find myself
Down by the river, down by the river
Katie was the match to my gasoline
And we fell on the banks like Adam and Eve
The preacher man washed my sins downstream
The water was muddy but my soul was clean
When I die, raise your glasses
Drinks on me, just spread my ashes
Down by the river, down by the river
Down by the river, down by the river
Down by the river, down by the river
Down by the river, down by the river
Down by the river