From the recording Live at the Seagull Shop
Lyrics
Watch the Fall
(c)2015 Jud Caswell (Alderdown Songs, ASCAP)
The Androscoggin River is staggering and stumbling
Tumbling down the rapids through town,
Mumbling and shouting out the sorrows
He's been trying to drown
Ever since the ice broke he's been out on a bender
Muddier and meaner every day
Tripping up the riverbanks
Kicking down whatever's in his way.
Set 'em up, knock 'em down,
That's the name of the game in this town
Set 'em up, knock 'em down,
Watch the fall.
I still remember the year this old river
Flooded out the old abandoned mill
All the boys were drinking Narragansett
And watching from the hill
While the Androscoggin river climbed that foundation
Tore out every scrap they left behind.
I guess he used to work there
And when they left he didn't take it kind.
Set 'em up, knock 'em down,
That's the name of the game in this town
Set 'em up, knock 'em down,
Watch the fall.
The Androscoggin river was a hell of a worker
He carried this whole county on his back
Now he's just a drunkard singing shanties
On the wrong side of the track.
The new people frown and they hold their noses
Their little ones throw rocks and run away
But you should've seen him
The day he dragged that mill down to the bay
Set 'em up, knock 'em down,
That's the name of the game in this town
Set 'em up, knock 'em down,
Watch the fall.