Arthur Russell (May 21 1951 - April 4, 1992) was a prodigious talent. Class… Read Full Bio ↴Arthur Russell (May 21 1951 - April 4, 1992) was a prodigious talent. Classically trained on cello while growing up in Oskaloosa, USA, Arthur studied with Ali Akbar Khan in San Francisco in the early 1970's.

During this period he also collaborated with Allen Ginsberg, accompanying him on cello while Ginsberg read or sang. Russell also spent time in a Buddhist commune in California; he left when they decided to collectivize his cello.

By the mid-1970's Russell relocated to New York City, where he studied at The Manhattan School of Music. He formed a band from 1975-1979, The Flying Hearts, recorded by John Hammond and featuring David Byrne, Rhys Chatham, Jon Gibson, Peter Gordon, Jerry Harrison, Garret List, Frank Pagano, Andy Paley, Leni Pickett, and Peter Zummo.

In the late 1970s Russell became enamored with the disco scene in New York. At the time it represented a liberation force, particularly for the gay scene, just a few years after the Stonewall riots. (For more see "Turn the Beat Around: The Secret History of Disco" by Peter Shapiro).

'Kiss Me Again' was Russell's first dance track. Released under the name Dinosaur L by Sirerecords, it was to be the first of many innovative dancefloor tracks released under different names and with different collaborators, such as 'Is It All Over My Face' by Loose Joints, released in 1980. In 1982, Arthur Russell and William Socolov founded Sleeping Bag records and their first release was his 24-24 Music. This featured 'Go Bang' which was re-mixed as a 12" single by Francois Kevorkian.

Arthur Russell continued to release dance singles such as 'Tell You Today' (4th and Broadway, 1983) an upbeat dance groove featuring the vocals of Joyce Bowden . 'Wax the Van' (Jump Street, 1985) with vocals by Lola Blank, wife of notorious BobTreehouse aka Bob Schoolbell (Sleeping Bag, 1986) and 'Let's Go Swimming' (Upside / Rough Trade, 1986).

At the same time, he produced more meditative works on the albums 'Tower of Meaning' (Chatham Square, 1983) and 'World of Echo' (Rough Trade, 1986), which presented many of his pop and dance compositions in solo cellist form.

Arthur Russell died of AIDS on April 4, 1992, at the age of 40. The obituary in the Village Voice wrote: "his songs were so personal that it seems as though he simply vanished into his music."

In 2004 a renewed interest in Arthur Russell saw the release of "The World of Arthur Russell" on Soul Jazz records, which compiled his best-known dance hits alongside more introspective love songs such as "Little Lost" and "Keeping Up".

In the same year Audika records reissued "World Of Echo" and produced "Calling Out Of Context", 12 unreleased songs from 1985-90. The songs were taken from an album "Corn", recorded in 1985 but never released. They showcase a set of visionary pop songs years ahead of their time, minimalist and expansive, evidence that Russell's best work was perhaps never realized before his death.

In 2006 Audika released "First Thought Best Thought", compiling Russell's out of print orchestral and instrumental works with previously unreleased material.

Let's Go Swimming
Arthur Russell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

To the north part of it
The country I was made to
Cause were you been I go
That's where you'll always go
I'm banging on your door
Up in the big blue sky
When you let the water in
When you let the water in, yeah

When you let the water in
On the side that's up
When you let the water in
When you let the water in
On the side that's up

Oh yeah, I'm on the dot
I'm always there in turn

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Arthur Russell's song Let's Go Swimming possess elements of ambiguity and mystique. One interpretation could suggest that the singer is a nomad, wandering throughout the countryside, constantly searching for a connection with another person. He has an intimate connection with the land and feels as though he was made to traverse it. He bangs on someone's door as a symbol of his desire to connect with them. The water serves as a metaphor for this connection; when they finally let it in and allow themselves to be vulnerable, they will come together in a powerful way. The chorus suggests that the singer will always be there, waiting patiently until the person is ready to let him in.

Another interpretation could be that the song is a call to reconnect with nature. The singer is urging the listener to venture to the north and connect with the earth. The banging on the door could be a metaphor for the chaos and urgency of modern life, and the water could be a symbol of the soothing and healing power of nature. The singer is encouraging the listener to let go and let the water wash over them, to remember that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

Overall, the lyrics to Let's Go Swimming manage to be both specific and vague at the same time, leaving room for the listener to interpret them in their own way.

Line by Line Meaning

To the north part of it
Referencing a location, possibly the northern part of the country, where the singer is currently or wants to go.

The country I was made to
Suggesting that the singer feels connected or called to this particular location or country.

Cause were you been I go
Possibly indicating that the singer is following someone or trying to find a specific person in this location.

That's where you'll always go
Implying that this location holds significance or importance to the person being addressed and that they will always return there.

I'm banging on your door
Metaphorically expressing a desire to connect with someone or gain access to a specific place.

Up in the big blue sky
Using imagery to describe a vast, open space, potentially indicating a sense of freedom or possibility.

When you let the water in
Suggesting a shift or change in perspective or situation that involves allowing oneself to be vulnerable or open.

When you let the water in, yeah
Reiterating the previous line and adding emphasis or enthusiasm.

When you let the water in
Repeated once more, possibly for effect or as a reminder of the importance of vulnerability and openness.

On the side that's up
Unclear, but potentially referencing a specific position or perspective in relation to the artist or the addressed person/place.

When you let the water in
Again, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable or open to change.

When you let the water in
Repeated once more, possibly indicating that this is the central theme or message of the song.

On the side that's up
Once again referencing a particular perspective, but still somewhat unclear in its meaning.

Oh yeah, I'm on the dot
Suggesting that the singer is reliable, punctual, or always present when needed.

I'm always there in turn
Reiterating the previous line and emphasizing the singer's dependability or commitment.

Contributed by Alyssa F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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