Growin' up, it was tough   We were glad for what little we had   I saw my share of old fair, Mississippi   Dirt roads and Confederate flags      Everyday my father would tell me   ?Son, run and don't never come back?   That's where I left my girl   That's where my heart is at, and ohh      I held my breath when they dipped my head   Then I came up shiny and new   Found out about love in the back of my Impala   Where they laid my grandfather too      Down by the river   Where black folks gather   After Sunday service is through   How the river runs to the ocean   I'll be runnin' right back to you      I got along, I'm movin' on   I bandaged the scars up well   I think of her, then I sit and I wait   For a card or a letter in the mail      I walk the beach with the sand in my feet   Place my ear up to a shell   I wonder if you miss me too   Cuz I been longin' to get to you      I'm sick of starin' out my window sill   I'm tired of hopin' she remembers me still   I'm packin' my bags, I said I'm goin' back home   To the place where I belong      The river   And if she's there when I get there   I'm never gonna leave her again   You see, she stole my heart   Down by the river      I held my breath when they dipped my head   Then I came up shiny and new   Found out about love in the back of my Impala   Where they laid my grandfather too      Down by the river   Where black folks gather   After Sunday service is through   How the river runs to the ocean   I'll be runnin' right back to you      So I'm packin' up my suitcase   Bought me a one-way fare   I'm leavin' everything behind me   But in my heart I always care   And I'll still be right there      Thank you baby   Cuz nothin' can replace that part in my life   And whoa      I held my breath when they dipped my head   Then I came up shiny and new   Found out about love in the back of my Impala   Where they laid my grandfather too      Down by the river   Where black folks gather   After Sunday service is through   How the river runs to the ocean   I'll be runnin' right back to you