Lyrics Page
Dead In The Water
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Sep 1, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Anne Wilson's song "Dead in the Water" tells the story of a man who hit rock bottom through alcoholism, finding hope and redemption when he hears God's whisper and surrenders his life. The lyrics vividly describe his transformation from drowning in bourbon to walking out alive after a riverside encounter with Jesus. The song extends an invitation to others who are struggling, urging them to come to the water, lay down their burdens, and call on Jesus' name. It emphasizes themes of salvation, grace, and new life, offering a powerful testimony of God's ability to rescue and restore.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
He'd been there all happy hour, spinning a two-year chip on the counter
I picked the stool to his left and asked him, "What's that in your hand?"
He said, "It's an all-night conversation 'bout a man too gone for saving
Who traded in everything he loved for a buzz that didn't love him"
He said, "Only light I saw was neon in a dive off of west end
I was all out of hope at the end of my rope
I knew it was sink or swim, I was
Dead in the water, drowning in bourbon
I was a goner, that's when I heard Him
Whisper to my soul at 2:00 a.m., I said, Amen
I poured out the bottle, found something stronger
When I didn't wanna live any longer
I crawled down to that muddy riverside
Dead in the water
And I walked out alive"
He said, "I come back here to remember who I was before that river
Washed away the hell that held me down so long, oh
Now I share my testimony with the whiskey bent and the lonely
Who think that they don't have a prayer
Lord knows I've been there"
Dead in the water, drowning in bourbon
I was a goner, that's when I heard Him
Whisper to my soul at 2:00 a.m., I said, "Amen"
I poured out the bottle, found something stronger
When I didn't wanna live any longer
I crawled down to that muddy riverside
Dead in the water
And I walked out alive
I walked out alive
There's a way to leave behind
Everywhere you've ever been
There's a well that won't run dry
You'll never thirst again
Come to the water, bring all your hurting
Come as you are and lay down your burdens
Just call on Jesus' name at 2:00 a.m., and say "Amen"
Pour out the bottle, there's something stronger
Don't have to live this way any longer
Just crawl down to that muddy riverside
Dead in the water
And you'll walk out alive
You'll walk out alive
Hallelujah