This is my contribution to Song Lyric Sunday for Jim Adams’s blog. This week’s prompt…Air/Earth/Fire/Water.
From his 2007 album, Draw The Curtains. The song is about Hurricane Katrina and the damage it caused when it hit New Orleans in 2005.
Washed By The Water
Damned old levy,
Well they knew that it would go.
Been talking about it,
Since before my daddy’s born.
Ain’t nobody listens to what a poor man has to say.
Well they knew that it would go.
Been talking about it,
Since before my daddy’s born.
Ain’t nobody listens to what a poor man has to say.
But down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
The water can’t wash us away.
Now I hear people talkin’,
Say I should have up and gone.
But I ain’t got nothing but this place,
To call my home.
My father and his father,
Stay until their dying days
Say I should have up and gone.
But I ain’t got nothing but this place,
To call my home.
My father and his father,
Stay until their dying days
Down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
Down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
The water can’t wash us away.
Down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
We’ll put it back together,
With our own two hands.
Ain’t nobody gonna turn us around.
It’s oddly a little empty,
And it all seems broken down.
Oh Lord we sure could use you now.
With our own two hands.
Ain’t nobody gonna turn us around.
It’s oddly a little empty,
And it all seems broken down.
Oh Lord we sure could use you now.
Then the president came down,
And said this is awful sad.
But ain’t no words from that man,
Gonna bring us nothing back
And said this is awful sad.
But ain’t no words from that man,
Gonna bring us nothing back
And in the ghost of church bells,
I hear my momma say
I hear my momma say
Down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
Down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
The water can’t wash us away.
Down here we’re washed by the water,
The water can’t wash us away.
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(Everybody sing)
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(Can’t wash us away)
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(Can’t wash us away)
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(No no no no no no)
Been washed by the water, water can’t wash us away
(Can’t wash us away)
Been washed by the water, water can’t wash us away
(One more time)
Been washed by the water, water can’t wash us away
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(Everybody sing)
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(Can’t wash us away)
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(Can’t wash us away)
Been washed by the water, the water can’t wash us away
(No no no no no no)
Been washed by the water, water can’t wash us away
(Can’t wash us away)
Been washed by the water, water can’t wash us away
(One more time)
Been washed by the water, water can’t wash us away
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Will Hoge
Free Fallin' 
I don’t know Will, but OMG! This is an amazing song! I love his voice. On my way to Spotify! Thanks for the introduction! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s really good. The Wreckage is his best album I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great song , the lyrics are brilliant 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
This song has a Gospel sound and I really like it. That organ is awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a really good songwriter. I just happened to hear this song a few years ago and really liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A perfect tribute to those affected by the destruction that Katrina left behind. My hubby’s great-aunt died at the age 103 when she was evacuated to Houston before the storm hit. Her house was under water and he went back to Louisiana a year later to help take care of things there. He has a lot of family there still. Even Katrina couldn’t remove the spirit that state has for its heritage. Wonderful post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I remember watching it on TV.
LikeLike
New to me and I love it. Gave me chills. Louisiana strong!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good refrain. I like the organ and the backup singers in here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is a prolific songwriter.
LikeLiked by 1 person