That anvil parked itself at the canyon's head
A monster they could see down in Loveland so they said
It raised up and it punched right through the sky
It did not move until it drained itself dry

We lived by the waters of the Big Thompson
In a house my father gave me as his father gave to him 
We spent our days at that river's side
And that river flowed past, never paid us no mind

Plant your roots, run them deep
Find a place that's safe and raise a family
Put your faith in the plans that you have made 
You never know what come to wash it all away

Hear that demon coming down the canyon wall
A crackle on the radio, one final call
I'm in the middle of this 
I cannot get out
Jesus save your souls, you must climb to higher ground

Find your shelter when you hear that thunder roll
Pile stones in the river, but the river moves the stone
You worry of the storm, oh you worry so
But you can't even stop the gentle breeze that blows

Troubles keep on coming common as the rain 
Take 'em down to the water and send 'em all away
River take my troubles far from me but then
There comes a day when the river can take no more in

Hear that demon coming down the canyon wall
A crackle on the radio, one final call
I'm in the middle of this 
I cannot get out
Jesus save your souls, you must climb to higher ground

There's a story whispered in the aspen groves
A secret that's been kept only the river knows
Sit on the banks and you can hear it roll by
But keep good watch on that gathering sky

So down into the Narrows, that cold water flows
Read its scripture water-carved in rock and stone
On quiet days when the Thompson runs clear
You would never know that we were ever here

Hear that demon coming down the canyon wall
A crackle on the radio, one final call
I'm in the middle of this 
I cannot get out
Jesus save your souls, you must climb 
You must climb 
You must climb to higher ground