make your bed the river, young girl
make your bed the river, young girl
make your bed the river, young girl

did you come here to meet him, my dear?
you’re surprised to find only me
well, I put him to rest at the bend in the river
and the same I require of you

I'm thick with disease in my madness
only one thought pacifies me
that the murky black water grounds your bones to sand
when the catfish have stripped off your hide

make your bed the river, young girl
make your bed the river, young girl
I know you can’t swim, but I’ll tuck you in
make your bed the river, young girl

so go down as his trembling bride
far too frail our fury inside
and if there’s a chance the lord recognizes you
pray he has more mercy than I

make your bed the river young girl
make your bed the river young girl
I know you can’t swim, but I’ll tuck you in
make your bed the river, young girl
make your bed the river, young girl