Man, we planned a wedding come spring
Staring right into the eyes of my dreams
Hand in hand, down on one knee

(chorus)

Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Told me she would be my bride
Down by the riverside

She said yes as I held her tight
We made love in the broad daylight
Now I know why the old folks say
Get too close and you'll get swept away

(chorus)

Spring came and turned my baby's head around
Rains fell and now I feel like I might drown
Under the weight of this fool's crown

There's a tree down by the riverside
Once it held it's head up high
We carved our vows deep in it's side
Now faithless love makes that willow cry


(chorus)

Her love turned out to be a lie