Wrinkle Neck Mules Banks of the James lyrics

River was running, trembling low
Just like your voice on the payphone
Words have been whispered but none were so sweet
As the promise you made to betroth

Down by the trusses and crossing of ties
Where the black water touches the land
The light from the city and the light in your eye
Would witness me taking your hand

But all the lights of Surry County never saw anything
Reflected across the river and fell upon me
Light is fading to day
Waited around
On the Banks of the James

Long are the hours that pass in between

Dusk and the blanket of nightfall
Bright are the beams that shine through the branches
Eager to see your arrival

Currents run strong and they carry along
All debris that they pass on the way
Carry you down slowly turning to brown
Like the man you came to betray
But you never came back up that day

Where the black water touches the land
You gave me your word you'd give me your hand
Why'd you go and betray your man?
Now you'll never come back up again