Canadian Folk Song: The Mighty Red River©

The Mighty Red River© is a Canadian folk song about the devastating Red River flooding in 1997, and how the people of Manitoba in Canada pulled together to save as much of their land as possible.

Listen to the audio, view a music video and read the lyrics to the Canadian folk song, The Mighty Red River©, composed and performed by Dave Philley.

The Mighty Red River© by Dave Philley 2020
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The Mighty Red River© lyrics - a Canadian Folk song
[Verse 1]
As our weather changes from snow to rain
The Mighty Red River is rising again
We watch, rising waters, with tears in our eyes
Hazards we dread, when these waters rise

[Verse 2]
People work hard to save their homes
With hope in their hearts, painful backs and sore bones
Still working with wet hands and cold aching feet
Determined these waters will somehow retreat

[Chorus]
The mighty Red River that runs by my home
From the south, it begins, running northward to roam
The Mighty Red River we know
Threatens when high, peace when low

[Verse 3]
Duff, then mayor, came up with a plan
Even Duff's doubters were proud of this man
While his scheme was working, they waited to hear
Will muddy waters come sooner this year

[Verse 4]
The Mighty Red River rolled on to the sea
The most tragic flood, in our history
For me, there was nothing, left to reclaim
But my land, my home, before the floods came

[Chorus]
The mighty Red River that runs by my home
From the south, it begins, running northward to roam
The Mighty Red River we know
Threatens when high, peace when low

[Verse 5]
As river people we are a large band
And long again, to see our fair land
So we can dry out our homes, and clear out the mud
Forget, for awhile, the Red River flood

[Verse 6]
Our courage and strength will rebuild this year
With the help of good neighbors from far and near
While others watch from windows and doors
For the mighty Red River to run gently once more

[Chorus]
The mighty Red River that runs by my home
From the south, it begins, running northward to roam
The Mighty Red River we know
Threatens when high, peace when low

[Verse 7]
With quieter waters their now having fun
Floaters, boaters, all on the run
Some down river anglers catch catfish and perch
For pickeral and pike, they continue their search

[Verse 8]
Our green mirrored days slowly draws to a close
Colors of rainbow, flaming orange and bright rose
Like shore birds in flight, we sail round the bends
For the Mighty Red River runs gently again

[Chorus]
The mighty Red River that runs by my home
From the south, it begins, running northward to roam
The Mighty Red River we know
Threatens when high, peace when low