River Runs Red

I was born beside the water, Where the cotton used to grow. My father worked the land here, Till his back refused to bow. He told me, "Son, remember, Every stone beneath your feet holds the blood of Those who came before And made you free." Now I stand where he once stood, With my children by my side, Teaching them the lessons that no book could Provide. The river runs red With memory. The soil holds what words can't say. We rise from pain and misery To see a brighter day. The river runs red With history, but love will light the way. I've seen the seasons changing, Watched the old give way to new. But some things stay forever, like the morning Breaks on dew. My mother sang on Sundays with a voice that Shook the walls. She said the hardest battles are what make us Stand up tall. Now I sing the songs she left To keep her spirit near. Every note a promise That she's always here. The river runs red With memory. The soil holds what words can't say. We rise from pain And misery to See A brighter day. Oh, the river runs red With history, but love will light the Way. I won't forget the struggle Or pretend it wasn't real. Every scar tells a story, Every wound begins to heal. For my children and their children, I will speak the truth out loud. We are standing on the shoulders of the strong And unbowed. Oh, the river runs red With memory. The soil holds what words can't Say. We rise from pain And misery To see a brighter day. Oh, the river runs red With history, But love will light the way. The river runs red, But we're still here. The river runs red, oh, But love conquers fear.