Let it flow and let them leave behind what they want For black is the river that runs in their veins And they will be free from ol’ God All of the heathens who never fell in love Or they fell but they fell too long with no one Yes, wise old man river goes on and on Whether you’re chained to it or not Like a downhearted singer of the north “I ran like hell, those motherfucking dogs And gunmen trying to get me, but I ran like hell” And old laws they were no more But they’re here now ‘cause I need them And old loves they were no more But they’re here now, Let them stay (for a while) For all that we have been If we begin to do nothing, oh no God Our hands will be tied and we get caught Everywhere of the day or in the hours of night Sleep(ing) mornings away to get through the worst “For everything that can be broken, is it broken already For everything that can be broken, is it broken already” And old loves they were no more But they’re here now ‘cause I need them And old laws they were no more But they’re here now, Let them stay (for a while) For all that we have been