[Intro]
Watch that towhead over to larboard
Mark three, quarter-less three
Watch that snag now over to starboard
Half twain, quarter-less twain
Now we're sliding, stern's coming 'round
Miss that bar where the Mississippi Lady went aground
Ride us easy, easy river
Mark twain, quarter twain
Quarter-less twain, mark twain

[Chorus]
Where you been, river?
Where you goin' today?
What you bringin' me river, river?
What you takin' away?
What you bringin' me river, river?
What you takin' away?

[Post-Chorus]
Ride us easy, father of waters
Easy, whisperin' river
Ride us easy, easy, whisperin' Mississippi
Whisperin' easy, whisperin'

[Verse 1]
Here's snow from the high Sierras
Here's cloud from Sault Sainte Marie
Here's springs from the roofs of the ranges
Washing down to the sea
[Chorus]
What towns you been drowning, river?
What lands adding on today?
What you bringin' me, river, river?
What you takin' away?

[Verse 2]
Here's water from glacier mountains
Here's water from lakes and plains
The world's longest drink of water
From God only knows what rains

[Chorus]
Who you been stealin' from, river?
Who you been friendin' today?
What you bringin' me, river, river?
What you takin' away?

[Outro]
Watch that towhead over to larboard
Mark three, quarter-less three
Watch that snag now over to starboard
Half twain, quarter-less twain
Quarter twain, quarter-less twain, mark twain