as the sun starts to set in a southern sky 
you hold your breath like your dyin' 
for everything your heart desires 
and as you see the twilight sinkin' 
thinkin' like your all alone 
catch your tears and wash your feelings 
tomorrow will always come 

don't go down to the river down to the riverside 
I hope that your situation starts to turn out right 
don't go down to the river down to the riverside 
all the lonely are swimmin' their troubles tonight 

the wide open spaces of your mind have all but gone 
the days of simple existence refresh your soul 
you've got to think that your needed 
for who and what you are 
so keep watchin' that southern sky 
cause every night is broken at dawn 

and every reason that seems to mystify you 
you can always make believe 
and every wish or dream that comes to your mind 
don't drown it by the riverside 

don't go down to the river way down to the riverside