Niles River Blues Lyrics - Townes Van Zandt

On the banks of the Niles I courted my love 

I walked with her soft as a mournin' dove 

I loved her true, I swear I still do 

And now she's gone without me 

I walk by the banks and give the Lord thanks 

That I had the chance to court her 

I don't know why he flew her away 

I don't know why I'm left here 

The Niles runs cold and clear 

As cold and clear as my tears 

I'll never forget, I'll never regret 

Those days on the beautiful Niles 

Her name was Diane, her beautiful hands 

Were soft as the pearls in the water 

I looked in her eyes they were blue as the skies 

And now I've gone and left her 

I'll follow her down the way to the river 

Follow her now, now and forever 

She's my one and only smile 

On the beautiful banks of the Niles 

Someday soon 'neath the light of the moon 

When the sun and the rain shine together 

I'll meet her down where the waters flow 

And continue to flow forever 

Down on the banks of the beautiful Niles 

I wonder what can I be thinking 

Down on the banks of that beautiful river 

I'll wander, look for her forever 

I'll wander, look for her forever