I loved a girl, her name was Marie
But the hand of God took her from me
Down by the river in her favorite dress
Down by the river I laid her to rest
Marie , Marie the wind calls her name
What I wouldn't give to hold her again
In the little old shack that once was our home
In the little old shack where I wait alone
The days pass by so empty and slow
I try but I can't let her go
Down to the river with a rope in my hand
Down to the river where the cottonwood stands
Way up high I tie the knot to the bough
Dear God, my God, take me to her now