The flood takes him, sun takes him
Fish talk to him in shallow water (talk to him in shallow water)
Talk to him in shallow water
He said, I'll take my pay in blood
Four hind quarters is a bottom dollar (I'll take my pay in blood)
I'll take my pay in blood
Rest here and walk no farther
Came here from across the border
Canada to California
He said, I'll take my pound of flesh
Leave by morning, north by west
Take from you and spare the rest
Leave by morning, north by west
The flood takes him, sun takes him
Fish talk to him in shallow water (talk to him in shallow water)
Talk to him in shallow water
Nor sir, do I confess
To shiver shaking like one possessed
I fear not the touch of death
Just please allow me this request
For sir, I do confess
My home is in the wilderness
A waterfall is in my breast
A beast living in a barren nest
The flood takes him, sun takes him
Fish talk to him in shallow water (talk to him in shallow water)
Talk to him in shallow water
So follow me into the flood
Dip your hands in the whirling water
Send word home by bird or courier
That never more you'll be a soldier
Lay down your knife and holster
Down here in the riverbank clover
Lay down beside this boulder
Down here by the curling water
Lay down as night gets colder
Never more to be a soldier
...Just a little bit lower
Never more be a soldier.
...Just a little bit lower.
The flood takes him, sun takes him
Fish talk to him in shallow water (talk to him in shallow water)
Talk to him in shallow water
