Hey, baby I just asked your daddy
If I could take your hand
He said, “Boy, over my dead body”
Guess I ain’t his kinda man
But I love you and you love me
So, baby I gotta plan
We’ll push my truck off of Red Top Bridge
Right below the Jackson Dam
Hey, they’ll be draggin’ the river
Catchin’ nothin’ but an ol’ catfish
They’ll be draggin’ the river
That’ll show that son of a bitch
It’s been rainin’ for the last two weeks
So the water’s up good and high
We’ll just wait ’til it’s good n’ late
So there ain’t nobody passin’ by
I’ll call my cousin
He’ll pick us up an’ take us to the Greyhound Bus
We’ll be standin’ in front of that preacher
By the time they’re lookin’ for us
And they’ll be draggin’ the river
But they ain’t gonna find a thing
They’ll be draggin’ the river
I’ll be wearin’ me a diamond ring
Ah, we’re gonna show ’em
I know that it might sound crazy
Just a little bit too extreme
But to get some of your sweet lovin’
Baby, I’d do anything
Sooner or later
They’ll find my letter sayin’ that we’re alright
We’ll be rockin’ at the Red Roof Inn
This time tomorrow night
And they’ll be draggin’ the river
Sayin’, “Lord, what a cryin’ shame”
They’ll be draggin’ the river
We’ll be runnin’, they’ll never see it comin’
They’ll be draggin’ the river
They’ll be draggin’ the river
But they ain’t gonna find a thing
Sorry about callin’ your dad a son of a bitch earlier
Hey, do you think he’ll still hire me?
Whoa, that thing’s little
The diamond, I mean
Rebellion and Romance: Analyzing “Draggin’ The River”
“Draggin’ The River” by Blake Shelton spins a tale of forbidden love, youthful defiance, and clever escape. The narrative follows a couple determined to be together despite the stern disapproval of the girl’s father. The lyrics paint vivid scenes of late-night escapades, plans to fake their own disappearance, and dreams of a new life against the odds. Shelton’s storytelling combines wit and mischief, turning what could be a somber scenario into a playful, country-tinged adventure. The recurring line about “draggin’ the river” symbolizes both the lengths they’ll go for love and the humorous trick they’re playing on those left behind. Ultimately, it’s a testament to love’s ability to inspire bold, unconventional actions—delivered with a wink and a smile.
Song Credits
Artist: Blake Shelton
Songwriters: Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson
Release Year: 2010
Label: Warner Bros. Nashville