I'm just an ordinary north country man
I had a dream that bid me come here
Although naïve, I thought that I'd make my way
But fair weather friends is all that I had

They took from me all that I had to give
Replenished me with their reason
Don't you talk to me about your sacrifice
Then ask of me if I'm leaving

I'm going down to the water today
I got to wash away my sorrow
I'm going down to the water today
I gotta get me clean by tomorrow

I'm just an ordinary north country man
My dream has edges that are fading
This year that's passed, it's not such a waste
It's just a hard way to be learning

We've got no choice in the life that we're born to
Our only choosing is in its living
Now people in their own time will show just that they are
I hope this time I know who I am

I'm going down to the water today
I’ve got to wash away my sorrow
I'm going down to the water today
I gotta get me clean by tomorrow
I’m gotta get me clean
I’m gotta get me clean
I’m gotta get me clean
I’m gotta get me clean