[Verse 1] Down by the river where the black reeds sway Heard a low song at the break of day Boatman hummin’ with a hollow grin Said, “Pay your coin, boy, or don’t step in” [Pre-Chorus] I said, “I ain’t got gold, just a soul to keep” He laughed real low like the river runs deep [Chorus] Oh row, Charon, row me slow Through the dark where the cold winds blow If I drown, don’t let me know Just sing me down where the lost souls go [Verse 2] Met a girl with a crown of snakes Eyes like fire in the shadows of Hades’ gates She said, “Turn back now or lose your name” But I kept on walkin’ through the ash and flame [Pre-Chorus] Every step felt cursed, every breath like stone But I ain’t never been afraid of the great unknown [Chorus] Oh row, Charon, row me slow Through the dark where the cold winds blow If I fall, don’t let it show Just sing me down where the lost souls go [Bridge] Banjo cryin’, fiddle moan Heard the dead call me their own Three old voices in the night Singing wrong but feelin’ right [Break] (whistles + low harmony hums) [Final Chorus] Oh row, Charon, row me home To the place where the wild things roam If I’m gone, don’t carve no stone Just sing me down where the lost souls go
