There's a path that leads back through my memories And how often I've walked it these days Where I find sweet piece among the flowers On the grassy banks beyond the river bend But it's only a memory Yes it's only a memory my friend Yes it's only a memory I can never go back home again Down by the river Down by the old river bend Down by the river The sweet fragrance of flowers Oh it seems life troubles and trials Get harder and harder to mend Oh how sweet it would be to sit down On the grassy banks beyond the river bend But it's only a memory Yes it's only a memory my friend Yes it's only a memory I can never go back home again Down by the river Down by the old river bend Down by the river The sweet fragrance of flowers