I was born and raised beside the river I could hear it sing and laugh and cry I could read it like the back of my hand Knew just when it would rain or shine It kept on running and I kept on growing It would talk out my secret feelings Not until I was so far away Did I know just what I had been missing Need that river, like I need to smile Need that river, 'cause it's been a while Need that river, like I need to smile Feelings need to keep on flowing Like I need love to keep on going River keep running River keep running River keep running River keep running Down inside my soul Didn't know where I was suppose to go Couldn't set myself clear in my mind Then I heard the clear waters running I knew I could never leave that river behind I was born and raised beside the river I could hear it sing and laugh and cry I could read it like the back of my hand Knew just when it would rain or shine Need that river, like I need to smile Need that river, 'cause it's been a while Need that river, like I need to smile Feelings need to keep on flowing Like I need love to keep on going River keep running River keep running River keep running River keep running Down inside my soul Need that river, like I need to smile Need that river, 'cause it's been a while Need that river, like I need to smile Feelings need to keep on flowing Like I need love to keep on going River keep running River keep running River keep running River keep running Down inside my soul River keep running Down inside my soul