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.

But down here we're washed by the water,
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

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.

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.

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 in the ghost of church bells,
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.

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