I've been a traveler most of my life I never took a home I never took a wife
Ran away young and decided to roam
But now I'd like see my mama and my papa back home
Well a home where the river runs cold the water tastes good the winters ain't cold
A home where trees grow tall the home fires burn the whippoorwills call

Well I remember stories that my pappy used to tell
Yeah my eyes would get big his chest'd swell
I could sit for hours and listen with glee
As he'd tell of how he lived when he's a boy like me
Well, a home where the river runs cold...

Now mama dear mama do you still love your boy
After all my roamin' can I still bring you joy
Mom, you sent a letter got it not long ago
And you said to come home cause you're missin' me so
Well a home where the river runs cold...