[Verse 1]
I had to leave New River
After being married there
Couldn't get back home again
So long I ceased to care
I start to fiend and shake
Until heaven was dry

[Verse 2]
Went on to old Charleston
Found more trouble there
Couldn't give up on this gambling
And I lost far more than my fair share
Oh, and heaven was dry

[Verse 3]
The first thing that you learn now, love
As you ride a broken pony
You learn to love the dirt now, love
You love what can't be loved enough
If you fiend like some do
Then heaven is dry

[Verse 4]
When heaven is dry, baby
You exist for what you need
When the hurting starts for real now, baby
You'd crawl from Dallas to New Orleans
If you need like some do
Then heaven is dry
Oh, heaven is dry
[Coda]
Leaving New River blues