[Verse 1]
Mary, grab the baby, the river's rising
Muddy water taking back the land
The old-frame house, she can't take-a one more beating
Ain't no use to stay and make a stand

[Verse 2]
Well the morning light shows water in the valley
Daddy's grave just went below the line
Things to say, you just can't take 'em with ya
This flood will swallow all you've left behind

[Chorus 1]
Won't be back to start all over
Cause what I felt before is gone
Mary, take the child, the river's rising
Muddy water taking back my home

[Verse 3]
The road is gone, there's just one way to leave here
Turn my back on what I've left below
Shifting land, broken farms around me
Muddy water's changing all I know

[Chorus 2]
It's hard to say just what I'm losing
Ain't never felt so all alone
Mary, take the child, the river's rising
Muddy water taking back my home
[Chorus 1]
Won't be back to start all over
Cause what I felt before is gone
Mary, take the child, the river's rising
Muddy water's changing all I know
Muddy water's changing all I know
Lord, this muddy water is taking back my home