The Same River Twice Songtext
von Tom Paxton

The smell of spruce brings back the cold September in the woods near Jackson Hole.
The boats still in the water ′Cause we could not bear to let the summer go.
You told them at the grocery not to save the Sunday papers anymore.
You were off to San Francisco. I'd be working for a year in Ecuador.

And now I know. You can′t wade in the same river twice.
Now I know. The current flows around you, then it's gone.
Leaves you no choice but moving on.
That river's gone.


The windows needed painting, and some planks along the dock were rotting through.
Next year, I went back early. I worked hard to leave it looking fine for you.
I expected you on Monday. I planted you some roses and red mums,
And it was late on Friday when I finally knew that you would never come.

And now I know. You can′t wade in the same river twice.
Now I know. The current flows around you, then it′s gone.
Leaves you no choice but moving on.
That river's gone.

If I had said that Ecuador would have to wait another year or two,
If you′d said San Francisco could get through the winter somehow without you...
But now I know. You can't wade in the same river twice.
Now I know. The current flows around you, then it′s gone.
Leaves you no choice but moving on.
That river's gone.