Lyric discussion by theartproject 

Cover art for Dry The River lyrics by Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

I think its about a love relationship. I think he did her real wrong as self centered men tend to do. But after he left his wife/girl he found out things weren't really greener on the other side. infact the "river ran dry". Well when the river ran dry he came running back to his girl. hence the chorus.

I'll take back everything if you stay by my side Cause I'm told the river went dry Believe me when I say that you'll see greater days I didn't want to leave

When he left things got real bad. so bad he almost died. he "kissed the dark horse"

also most everything they write, I hear, is from some legend of some criminals from way back so this might explain what he means by: "These are not my beliefs Writing from the lost 30's.... we're not alone"