I come from the land of the wild river gods
where the Joker was never a throwaway card.
Better keep this in mind when you bank on the odds,
or I'll wash your soul away.

My mother the moon, my father the tide
gave me wisdom enough to be nobody's bride.
You may think that you're tough, sugar. Swallow your pride
or I'll wash your soul away.

I won't mean to do it. I just take it as it comes
when the black rain falls and the west wind hums.
But you cannot stop the river if she decides
Tonight's her night to rise.

I am more than a prize to be won by your smile.
I'm a wind and a storm and a wild river child.
If you've got what it takes, we could talk for a while
'til I wash your soul away

Sirens may sing, prophets decry,
hucksters all claim that they'll teach you to fly.
In the time that it takes just to form your reply
I will wash your soul away.

So help me, I'm a wild, wild river.
So help me, I'm a wild, wild river child.

I won't mean to do it. I just take it as it comes
when the black rain falls and the west wind hums
I won't mean to hurt you when I do what I do
but you can't stop the river.

With my brother the mud, my sister the air
I will walk with the flood like a captain's despair.
See, I don't suffer fools. I've seen more than my share,
and I'll wash your soul away.

Hold onto me tightly. Let 'em all stare.
The dance floor is ours, and we make quite the pair,
but I'm telling you once and for all, have a care.
I've a heart that's bound to stray.
They don't call me River for nothing.
I will wash your soul away.

So help me, I'm a wild, wild river.
So help me, I'm a wild, wild river child.