Down in New Orleans on the banks of a levy, My mouth was dry and my heart was heavy A gray old man fishing next to me saw that look on my face and he began to speak He said through my years I've learned my lesson We're on the same boat trying to get to Heaven This world is full of sin and strife Son, let me give you some free advice You can't quench your thirst drinking muddy water Or wash your soul in a dirty stream You can't quench your thirst drinking muddy water There's only one well where the water is clean Muddy water, dirty stream, Muddy water, dirty stream Muddy water, there's only one well where the water is clean Though I never once saw that man again it's hard to believe how long it's been The words he said really changed my life I'm the first one to testify, testify You can't quench your thirst drinking muddy water Or wash your soul in a dirty stream You can't quench your thirst drinking muddy water There's only one well where the water is clean Muddy water, dirty stream, Muddy water, dirty stream Muddy water, there's only one well where the water is clean You can't quench your thirst drinking muddy water Or wash your soul in a dirty stream You can't quench your thirst drinking muddy water There's only one well where the water is clean Muddy water, dirty stream, Muddy water, dirty stream Muddy water, there's only one well where the water is clean