Down by the River

from Send My Roots Rain by Joseph Bottum

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lyrics

Down by the River
reimagining “The Rolling of the Stones” (c. 1840)

I would not have touched all my father’s silver coins
or his golden watch and chain.
But love takes so much—down by the river
I heard soft lips explain.

I would not have dressed in my mother’s velvet gown
or her diamond broach so fine.
But love costs so much—down by the river
I felt his lips on mine.

Oh, I brushed the gentle water,
and, my love, you touched my hair.
And my heart was washed away like water,
on the day, my love, that I saw you there.

I would not have harmed all my brothers as they slept
or my sisters safe in bed.
But love burns so much—down by the river
I saw his lips so red.

I would not have seen all these people gathered ’round
or these gallows raised so high.
But love needs so much—down by the river
hard lips kissed me goodbye.

credits

from Send My Roots Rain, released August 21, 2014

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Joseph Bottum South Dakota

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