I've been a traveler most of my life I never took a home I never took a wife Ran away young and decided to roam But now I'd likea see my mama and my papa back home Well a home where the river runs cold the water tastes good the winters ain't cold A home where trees grow tall the homefires burn the whippoorwills call Well I remember stories that my pappy used to tell Yeah my eyes would get big my chest just a swell I could sit for hours and listen with glee As he'd tell of how he lived when he's a boy like me Well a home where the river runs cold... Now mama dear mama do you still love your boy After all my roamin' can I still bring you joy Mom you sent a letter got it not long ago And you said to come home cause you're missin' me so Well a home where the river runs cold...