The River Taught Her How To Run

They say she came from natchez, by way of new orleans

Blew in like a gulf coast wind, knocked you to your knees

For a while she made you happy, you thought you'd found the one

Till the mornin' you woke up and found her gone

She learned how to fly from the eagle in the tall pine

Saw freedom in the blue sky, lord she loves a leavin' song

Grew up on the mississippi, got a gypse in her soul

And most nights she dreams of rollin' on and on and on

You might have taught her how to love

But the river taught her how to run

Now you're up there on your barstool, whiskey on your breath

Starin' at the postcard that she sent from way out west

Checkin' out the postmark - think you'll pack your bags and go

But don't bother, she's already down the road

She learned how to fly from the eagle in the tall pine

Saw freedom in the blue sky, lord she loves a leavin' song

Grew up on the mississippi, got a gypse in her soul

And most nights she dreams of rollin' on and on and on

You might have taught her how to love

But the river taught her how to run

You'll miss the way sunshine follows her around

But some things were never meant to be tied down

She learned how to fly from the eagle in the tall pine

Saw freedom in the blue sky, lord she loves a leavin' song

Grew up on the mississippi, got a gypse in her soul

And most nights she dreams of rollin' on and on and on

You might have taught her how to love

But the river taught her how to run