I remember standing at the levee Water rolling up to my knees Lord, won't you come and part this river? Or teach me to swim, if you please 'Cause I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying When I'm doing my best just to stay alive I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying When I'm doing my best just to stay alive Captain, won't you let me take it easy? I think I'm coming down with the plague Gotta make my way back up to Tennessee Before the good Lord takes me away I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying When I'm doing my best just to stay alive I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying When I'm doing my best just to stay alive Jesus, won't you grant me some forgiveness? 'Cause I left a man dead in the field He got in his head some suspicions And he came with a knife after me I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying When I'm doing my best just to stay alive I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying When I'm doing my best just to stay alive