In the tall grass we held hands
Down by the river we made plans
Of what would and would not be
It was impossible to see

Their black boots shone in the sun
They were waiting on the Annandale train when my baby come
Little girl with the long black hair
Do you know what lies ’neath the long coats that they wear

Once I swore you’d ride with me
(To some far and distant shore)
Down where this river meets the sea
(I’ll make you mine forevermore)
Over these dark hills I walk along
(Just to hold you in my arms)
To lie with you on a bed of stone

River blood red with the years
You can flood this valley with a thousand tears
Wash away all that’s been found
But you’ll never wash away the sound
Of the stray bullet that shot my baby down
Of the stray bullet that shot my baby down
Of the stray bullet that shot my baby down
Of the stray bullet that shot my baby down