[Verse 1]
Down by the river where the black reeds sway
Heard a low song at the break of day
Boatman hummin’ with a hollow grin
Said, “Pay your coin, boy, or don’t step in”

[Pre-Chorus]
I said, “I ain’t got gold, just a soul to keep”
He laughed real low like the river runs deep

[Chorus]
Oh row, Charon, row me slow
Through the dark where the cold winds blow
If I drown, don’t let me know
Just sing me down where the lost souls go

[Verse 2]
Met a girl with a crown of snakes
Eyes like fire in the shadows of Hades’ gates
She said, “Turn back now or lose your name”
But I kept on walkin’ through the ash and flame

[Pre-Chorus]
Every step felt cursed, every breath like stone
But I ain’t never been afraid of the great unknown

[Chorus]
Oh row, Charon, row me slow
Through the dark where the cold winds blow
If I fall, don’t let it show
Just sing me down where the lost souls go

[Bridge]
Banjo cryin’, fiddle moan
Heard the dead call me their own
Three old voices in the night
Singing wrong but feelin’ right

[Break]
(whistles + low harmony hums)

[Final Chorus]
Oh row, Charon, row me home
To the place where the wild things roam
If I’m gone, don’t carve no stone
Just sing me down where the lost souls go