Drag This River

Walkabouts · New West Motel [1996]

Quick, burn it down to the wick

Burn it down to the heart

So the ending can start



Here, behind the riverhaus door

With an unloaded gun

And an unsettled score



Well I'll never drag this river

I'll never drag this river X2

I'll never drag this river down



You, nothin' comes to you slow

Nothin' comes to you hard

Though you beg like you're hard



And me, don't shake the barrel ar me

And don't treat idle threats

Like you treat all your friends



Well I'll never drag this river

I'll never drag this river X2

I'll never drag this river down



And if you walk out that door

Don't come back

Because there'll be no door



And if you walk out that door

Silence greets you

Silence, will be yours



I hear ya callin' from a long distant shore

But you won't come back, [well / 'cause] you can't come back



The water's risin' and the levee is not sure

And you won't be found, no you can't be found



Drag this river down

Drag This River

Drag This River stands as a compelling song in the Walkabouts' expansive discography, appearing on their 1996 album New West Motel. The track exemplifies the band's signature atmospheric sound, blending post-punk intensity with a distinctively cinematic scope. Known for their moody, reverb-laden productions, the Walkabouts crafted a unique sonic identity during this era that resonated with fans of alternative rock and gothic influences. This recording captures the group's ability to weave narrative depth into their instrumentation, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and vast. As part of a prolific period for the band, the song contributes to a body of work that continues to define their legacy in the genre.