There's a path that leads back through my memories
And how often I've walked it these days
Where I find sweet piece among the flowers
On the grassy banks beyond the river bend

But it's only a memory
Yes it's only a memory my friend
Yes it's only a memory
I can never go back home again

Down by the river
Down by the old river bend
Down by the river
The sweet fragrance of flowers

Oh it seems life troubles and trials
Get harder and harder to mend
Oh how sweet it would be to sit down
On the grassy banks beyond the river bend

But it's only a memory
Yes it's only a memory my friend
Yes it's only a memory
I can never go back home again

Down by the river
Down by the old river bend
Down by the river
The sweet fragrance of flowers