art by jeffrey donato

Choctawhatchee Waltz

A Cherokee princess and a Choctaw brave
Were carried away on a Choctawhatchee wave
A preacher man came and went down on his knee
And baptized us children in the Choctawhatchee

Chorus:
Lay down your suitcase on the Choctawhatchee shore
Lay down your burdens and be happy once more
I’ll be your sweetheart, your father and your daughter
Waltz with me in the muddy water

When the water was gentle and there was peace in the land
On the banks of Choctawhatchee you gave me your hand
When winter came fierce we were children no more
And the Cherokee princess was alone on the shore

Chorus

The Choctawhatchee River will heat up your soul
Make your warm body shiver and your broken heart whole
It will show you a love you left in the past
The reflection of a dream that was destined to last

Chorus

A Cherokee princess and a Choctaw brave
Were carried away on a Choctawhatchee wave


lyrics & music: Mary James