Make your bed the river, young girl

Make your bed the river, young girl

La la la la la la

Make your bed the river, young girl

Did you come here to meet him, my dear?

You're surprised to find only me

Well, I put him to rest at the bend in the river

And the same I require of thee

I'm thick with disease in my madness

Only one thought pacifies me

That the murky, black water grinds your bones to sand

When the catfish have stripped off your hide

Make your bed the river, young girl

Make your bed the river, young girl

I know you can't swim, but I'll tuck you in

Make your bed the river, young girl

So go down as his trembling bride

For to quell all hell's fury inside me

And if there's a chance that the Lord recognizes you

Pray he has more mercy than I

Make your bed the river, young girl

Make your bed the river, young girl

I know you can't swim, but I'll tuck you in

Make your bed the river, young girl

Make your bed the river, young girl