On the banks of the river where they found me
Caked in mud with a canteen by my side
There was nothin' left that could identify me
On the banks of the river where I died

In the moonlight I waited in the water
Cross my heart and close my eyes before the dive
The current pulled me down, and in an instant I had drowned
At the bottom of the river where I died

Oh, tell my wife and worries that I'm sorry
Tell my sons and daughters that I tried
All I ask is that you lay my body
By the banks of the river where I died

Vigilante man was first to spot me
Checked my pockets and left me where lie
Said I got what I deserved and then forgot me
On the banks of the river where I died

Radio man says he's got [them] freedom
Protectin' [them] from raiders in the night
I hope some day my face comes back to haunt him
On the banks of the river where I died

Well, now, don't you think I know that I am guilty
I broke the law and, Lord, I pay to have [a price]
But I want to ask you [master] vigilante
What if those kids of yours went hungry every night?
What if those kids of yours lived on the other side?

Used to watch [?] lights glow in the distance
Lord, you should've seen the tears I cried
It might as well have been another planet
On the banks of the river where I died

Oh, tell my wife and worries that I'm sorry
Tell my sons and daughters that I tried
All I ask is that you lay my body
By the banks of the river where I died
All I ask is that you lay my body
By the banks of the river where I died