Cool Water
Andrews Sisters & Bing Crosby Lyrics
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Without the taste of water, cool water
Old Dan and I with throats burned dry
And souls that cry for water, cool, clear water
Keep a-movin', Dan, don't you listen to him, Dan
He's a devil not a man
And he spreads the burning sand with water
Where the water's runnin' free
And it's waiting there for you and me
The nights are cool and I'm a fool
Each star's a pool of water, cool water
But with the dawn I'll wake and yawn
And carry on to water, cool, clear, water
The shadows sway and seem to say
Tonight we pray for water, cool, water
And way up there He'll hear our prayer
And show us where there's water, cool, clear, water
Dan's feet are sore he's yearning for
Just one thing more than water, cool, water
Like me I guess he'd like to rest
Where there's no quest for water, cool, clear, water
The song "Cool Water" by Andrews Sisters & Bing Crosby is a western ballad that tells the story of two cowboys, one named "I" and the other "Old Dan," who are traveling through a barren wasteland without water. The song starts with the two cowboys facing the harsh landscape and feeling parched without any access to cool water. The lyrics express the desperate thirst and longing for clean, refreshing water. "Old Dan and I with throats burned dry and souls that cry for water, cool, clear water."
As the song progresses, the two cowboys visualize a big green tree with water running free, they continue to move forward hoping to find water soon. The lyrics also introduce a devil figure who tries to discourage Dan from pursuing water, ensuring the sand is hot and conditions remain as such.
The song ends with the realization that true relief and rest will only be found where water is abundant, and the cowboys pray for help. The song is poetic with its imagery and metaphors. One can interpret the song as a classic struggle between good and evil, with water representing a primary need, and the devil signifying hardship and scarcity. Overall, Cool Water captures the emotions of thirst and desperation that many people can relate to from personal experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
All day I've faced the barren waste
Throughout the day, I've been in a bleak and unproductive environment.
Without the taste of water, cool water
I have been without the refreshing and hydrating sensation of water.
Old Dan and I with throats burned dry
My friend and I are dehydrated to the point where our throats are painfully dry.
And souls that cry for water, cool, clear water
We are yearning for the soothing, clear water to quench our thirst and revitalize our spirits.
Keep a-movin', Dan, don't you listen to him, Dan
Dan, we should keep moving and not succumb to the negative voice in our heads.
He's a devil not a man
This voice is not a rational entity but rather an evil presence.
And he spreads the burning sand with water
The voice tries to deceive us with false hope, like spreading water on hot sand which only dries it further.
Dan can you see that big green tree
Dan, look at that large tree with green leaves.
Where the water's runnin' free
There is a source of water that flows freely by that tree.
And it's waiting there for you and me
The water is available for both of us if we go there and get it.
The nights are cool and I'm a fool
The nights are refreshing and pleasant, and I feel silly for not having found the water source yet.
Each star's a pool of water, cool water
The starry sky seems to be filled with pools of clear, cool water, reflecting the light.
But with the dawn I'll wake and yawn
However, as the sun rises, I will wake up and feel the need to find water once again.
And carry on to water, cool, clear, water
I will continue my search for the revitalizing and refreshing source of water.
The shadows sway and seem to say
The movements of the shadows give the impression of a message or a sign.
Tonight we pray for water, cool, water
The message conveyed is that we should pray for and seek water that is cool and refreshing.
And way up there He'll hear our prayer
The prayer will be heard by a higher power above us.
And show us where there's water, cool, clear, water
This divine power will guide us to the source of water that is cold, clear, and refreshing.
Dan's feet are sore he's yearning for
Dan is experiencing pain and fatigue from his journey and is also desperate for water.
Just one thing more than water, cool, water
Dan needs water more than anything else right now, it is his only priority.
Like me I guess he'd like to rest
I imagine that Dan would also appreciate a break from this exhausting quest for water.
Where there's no quest for water, cool, clear, water
We both desire a place where we can rest and be at peace, with no worries about finding water.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Nolan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind