The River Knows

Late one night, the river so bright

I was bathing in the pale moonlight

Didn't see no one looking around

Pull that ribbon, let my ringlets down

We grew up down the way

Walked to school together every day

I was so tall 'til we were sixteen

In a year, he towered over me

Thought he was a friend indeed

But a woman can't trust a man in need

Down on the muddy banks where the roses grow

The river cries, ooh, oh, 'cause the river knows

.

He professed a love so fine

Said he wanted me to be his bride

His desire, I didn't return

In its place, he let resentment burn

He left home to live in the hills

Making moonshine in a silver still

Mama said, "Stay away from that shine"

I always did until that dark night

Thought he was a friend indeed

But a woman can't trust a man in need

Down on the muddy banks where the roses grow

The river cries, ooh, oh, 'cause the river knows

..

My best dress mangled and torn

Head's pounding in the early morn'

Look to my hands all covered in red

Dug a hole out in the wild rose bed

Washed the proof out of my hair

Crimson streaming down my skin so fair

Shimmering moon staring at me

Now my secret is hers to keep

Thought he was a friend indeed

But a woman can't trust a man in need

Down on the muddy banks where the roses grow

The river cries, ooh, oh, 'cause the river knows

Late one night, the river so bright

I was bathing in the pale moonlight

Didn't see no one looking around

Pull that ribbon, let my ringlets down...