Mama tells a story 'bout how she found me in a basket on the river bank.
With a note that said "please raise this boy cause God knows I just can't."
So I grew up with that Mississippi River flowing through my back yard.
Mama used to say "son, if you're gonna play back there don't you go too far."
When she wasn't looking, I'd stand on the edge and dream about where it went.
I knew one day I'd leave that town, just like that muddy water did.
That's why I run, I got a restless soul, no matter where I am, I get an urge to go.
That's the way it is, I can't slow down, so I'll say goodbye, before I drown.
That's why I run.
I'm as free as I can be so baby don't you fall for me.
I'll love you for a little while and then I'll have to leave.
I don't mean to break your heart, but I can't help myself.
Just like that rolling river, I keep heading somewhere else.
That's why I run, I got a restless soul, no matter where I am, I get an urge to go.
That's the way it is, I can't slow down, so I'll say goodbye, before I drown.
That's why I run.
When I die, spread my ashes on the river out where the current's strong, so I can rest assured, y'know, that I'll keep movin' on. (Oh yeah)
It's a way of life that I'll keep livin' long after my days.
God brought me in the world like this and I'll be goin' out just the same.
That's why I run, I got a restless soul, no matter where I am, I get an urge to go.
That's the way it is, I can't slow down, so I'll say goodbye, before I drown.
That's why I run.