Here by the river you won't believe, the things that you will see
The hearts are dark, the books are burned, there's fighting on the streets
The fires burn round every turn, the ashes in the urn
They whisper softly, this time it was me, but next will be your turn

Down by the river they are drowning in, you never wash away your sin
Down by the river, the people shiver, they sink before they fall

Here by the river, hate and fear are the drugs that people seek
The strong survive, they fuel the high, by praying on the weak
Knock down the doors, make victims of the poor, that’s how you win the war
As they die, don’t look them in the eye, be glad they are no more

Down by the river they are drowning in, you never wash away your sin
Down by the river the people shiver they sink before they fall