Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down to the bottom of the river
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down, a long way down

If you get sleep or if you get none
(The cock's gonna call in the morning, baby)
And check the cupboard for your daddy's gun
(Red sun rises like an early warning)
The Lord's gonna come for your first born son
(His hair's on fire and his heart is burning)
So go to the river where the water runs
(Wash him deep where the tides are turning)

And if you fall
And if you fall

Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down to the bottom of the river (long way down)
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down, a long way down (long way down)

The wolves will chase you by the pale moonlight
(Drunk and driven by a devil's hunger)
Drive your son like a railroad spike
(Into the water, let it pull him under)
Don't you lift him, let him drown alive
(The good Lord speaks like a rolling thunder)
Let that fever make the water rise
(And let the river run dry)
And I said

Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down to the bottom of the river (long way down)
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down, a long way down (long way down)
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way, a long, long, long way (long way down)
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down, a long way down

Hold my hand
It's a long way to the bottom
Hold my hand
It's a long way down
Hold my hand
Hold my hand
It's a long way down, a long way down
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way down

Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way, a long way down
Hold my hand
Ooh, baby, it's a long way, a long way down