When I came to the river
I saw a young woman
I said where ya going?
And what ya running from?
She told me a story
One I'll never forget
She said, I'm leaving my home
On fire it is lit
Do you feel the flame?
Well, her pa was a drinker
And mean as a snake
His friends, they were worse
She had to get away
They killed her love, Johnny
For asking for her hand
Shot him in the back
She said, please sir understand
Do you feel the flame
Do you feel it hot
Do you taste the smoke
Do you feel the flame
Comin' from my soul
Do you feel it hot
Oh, oh Johnny please don't go
Do you feel
She said, please don't stop me mister
Through this river I must run
Pray for my soul
After what I have done
Let the river cleanse me
Release me from this flame
I'm running to my Johnny
I hear him call my name
Do you feel the flame
Do you feel it hot
Do you taste the smoke
Do you feel the flame
Comin' from my soul
Do you feel it hot
Oh, oh Johnny please don't go
Do you feel the flame
Yea, let the river cleanse me
Release me from this flame
I'm running to my Johnny
I hear him call my name
Yes, I'm running to my Johnny
I hear him call my name