RIVERS OF WASHINGTON

Stillaguamish River, South Fork - ©2008 Walter Siegmund

RIVERS OF WASHINGTON
Words by Mary Garvey; same tune and chorus as Rivers of Texas
Sung by Mary Garvey

I'm going back to the place I was planted
The place I was formerly taken for granted
Back where the rivers all ripple and wind
And you can come with me if you are inclined

I'll show you the lowlands most likely to flood
Show you the mess left by St. Helen's mud
And if you prove willing and anxious to learn
I'll show you some places where salmon return

In the Coweeman we'll go for a swim
Pick the blackberries when daylight grows dim
Undo our boat and just let it drift
Coweeman is gentle the Toutle is swift

We'll go where the Toutle used to run clear
And look for the track left by muscrat and dear
And think on the mountain before it exploded
The rivers diverted the banks all eroded

If you want to feel better than ever you felt
We'll stand in the Cowlitz go dipping for smelt
You're sure to get cold and you're sure to get wet
But you'll sure have a day you can never forget

And if you're still up for what nature discloses
We'll seek out Kalama's sweet banks of wild roses
You've never smelt Mother Nature's perfume
If you've not smelt the banks of Kalama in bloom

I know you've seen sunsets quite often before
But have you seen one on Columbia's shore
And seen that great river turn into gold
It will give you more beauty than your poor heart can hold

So if you should ask where I'd like to reside
It's right at the point where these waters collide
And if you should ask just how long I'll remain
Just as long as these rivers are fed by the rain

Pacific Nothwest Folklore Society