Each day marks the time away
Sky so grey the cold earth cries
‘Been hitting this ground for a long long time

If I make it to sunset
I’m a fortunate son
I hate working King River
I’ll die at King River

Yesterday, I saw a sight 
Made me want to laugh out loud  
Horses dead from a lightning strike
All splayed out like a Sunday roast
Deader than the Bell Witch Ghost

If I see light of day
So help me I’ll pray to be a better man
I hate working King River
I’m crucified at King River

Just when mildew strikes the corn
Drive the stakes harder in the ground
Thrashing down on hardened wood
Makes me strong, be understood

In years gone by I’d work this river
Run my boat past mud and flood and heat
Thought I’d always be a free man
Honest work, night and day

Then they came to take it all
Money for rich and nothing for poor
I hate working King River
Lord, I’m a dead man at King River