PUSH THE RIVER
Frank D. Sorgea
[Verse 1]
C F C
They came in 1849 and settled on the land
Am G
With visions of great fortune
F C
They could scoop up with their hands
C F C
They settled in the valleys and they worked the mills and streams
Am G F Am G Am
They built hotels, saloons and factories along the inland sea
[Verse 2]
C F
They built rails from east to west they did across the northern plains
Am G F C
Drove the natives to oblivion never to arise again
C F C
They killed the mighty buffalo in the name of destiny
Am G F Am
You see the west was calling to them along the inland sea
[Chorus]
Am G Am G
But you can’t push a river when that river's running free
G Am
No, you can’t push a river on its journey to the sea
G Am
There was a wise man he once told me you can’t push a river, son
G F Am G Am
No, you can’t push a river - when that river wants to run
[Verse 3]
C F C
The Okies came in thirty two when their land was blew away
Am G F C
They were headed west to California along the great highway
C F C
They settled in the valleys, picked the fruit from off the trees
Am G F Am G Am
They built their homes and raised their kids they did along the inland sea
[Verse 4]
C F C
They built dams up on the rivers, they put levees on the streams
Am G F C
They’ve been trying to push the river just to keep up with their dreams
C F C
Well, the river rose in fifty five and she’s rising once again
Am G F Am G Am
To crush the hopes and flood the folks who live along the inland sea
[Chorus]
Am G Am
But you can’t push a river when that river's running free
G Am
No, you can’t push a river on its journey to the sea
G Am
There was a wise man he once told me - you can’t push a river, son
G F Am G Am
No, you can’t push a river - when that river wants to run