[Verse 1] I walked this life with empty hands, No love that stayed, no promised plans. Just selfish hearts and borrowed time, That mountain climbed, that uphill grind. [Verse 2] Then you appeared, a familiar flame, That green-eyed light called out my name. At fifty years, I felt hope rise, A brand-new dawn in your painted eyes. [Chorus] But the river runs cold, and fate don’t bend, Love begins where it’s bound to end. You chose your road, and I stayed behind, With the ghost of love in this heart of mine. [Verse 3] Thought time had closed that heavy door, But love came knockin’ once more. Your touch felt like my long-lost home, But I was born to walk alone. [Chorus] Yeah, the river runs cold, and fate don’t bend, Dreams fall hard like an old man’s friend. You found your path, I lost my shine, Now I’m drinkin’ blues with the ghost of mine. [Bridge] Winter’s breath cuts to the bone, Your warmth still haunts this empty home. I’ll walk this road, till breath is gone, A quiet soul still holdin’ on. [Verse 4] I’ll bury love where no one knows, In the frozen ground where the wild wind blows. A fire still burns, but don’t give light, It keeps me warm through the lonesome night. [Final Chorus / Outro] Yes, the river runs cold, but my heart still bleeds, For a love that died ‘fore it took the lead. I’ll guard that flame, I’ll pay that fine With the ghost of love in this heart of mine.
