Brownie … Read Full Bio ↴The preferred artist name is Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee.
Brownie McGhee was born Walter Brown McGhee in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1915. His Uncle was a proficient fiddler and gave young Brownie his first instrument. Brownie contracted Polio at a young age, so he spent much of his time in bed practicing the guitar. He began early playing around the Southeastern United States. Sonny Terry was born Saunders Terrell in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1911.
Sonny Terry's father was a farmer and musician, who taught Sonny love of the Blues, and how to play Blues harmonica. He traveled with medicine shows and eventually met Blind Boy Fuller, and first recorded with the 'Piedmont Blues' guitarist in 1937 for Vocalion Records. Brownie first met Sonny Terry in North Carolina in 1939 and worked with him and singer Paul Robeson in Washington, DC, in 1940. Brownie McGhee began to record for Okeh Records in 1940. Brownie had Sonny Terry play on his recording session of Workingman's Blues, and a long-standing partnership was formed. Shortly after they relocated and broke into the New York Folk scene, working alongside Leadbelly, Josh White, and Woody Guthrie. From 1942 to 1950 Brownie McGhee also ran his own music school, 'Home of the Blues', in Harlem. After the end of WWII, Brownie began to record, both with and without Sonny Terry, for a myriad of R&B labels: Savoy, Alert, London, Derby, Dot, and Harlem. Sonny Terry was doing the same with recordings for Jackson, Red Robin, RCA Victor, Groove, Harlem, Old Town, and Ember, usually with Brownie on guitar. Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry were among the first Blues artists to tour Europe during the 1950s and recording to the early-'60s albums for Folkways, Choice, World Pacific, Bluesville, and Fantasy. They also toured with many Folk festivals in America, Canada and Europe, appearing on television and movies. Both Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry continued to record solo as well as together. Brownie appeared in Tennessee Williams' play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' on Broadway, 1955-57, and recorded several motion-picture soundtracks. They finally parted their ways in the mid-1970's due to personal problems. Sonny Terry continued to play and record, passing away in 1986. Brownie McGhee carried on for the next 10 years performing festivals and recording. His final appearance was at the Chicago Blues festival in 1995 before passing Feb.16, 1996, Oakland, California. Sonny Terry was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in 1987. Brownie McGhee was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame.
Down By The Riverside
Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside,
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (A-ha) down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
The song "Down By The Riverside" is a traditional gospel song that has been covered by many artists, including Brownie McGhee. The song's lyrics express a desire to lay down the burdens of war and conflict and turn toward peace and unity. The repeated refrain of "I'm gonna study war no more" emphasizes this message.
The first verse sets the scene of the singer feeling burdened and seeking relief. They choose to lay down their burden by the riverside, a symbol of peace and tranquility. The verses that follow describe further actions the singer will take to find peace, including putting on a long white robe, a symbol of purity and innocence, and laying down their sword and shield, symbols of war.
The overall message of the song is a call for peace and a rejection of violence and conflict. It is a powerful reminder that in times of strife, there is still hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside,
I am going to release myself from the weight of my troubles and leave them behind at the riverside.
I'm gonna study war no more
I have made a decision to not spend any more time and energy learning about, engaging in, or supporting wars.
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I am firmly committed to my decision to not participate in war and will not be persuaded to change my mind.
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)
I will attire myself in a symbol of purity – a long white robe – as I stand at the riverside.
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside
I will relinquish my weapons – sword and shield – by leaving them behind at the riverside.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, TERRY RENDALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Philo68
One of the richest, warmest voices, with guitar and harp off the scale! I love these blokes.
@alexmcculloch2354
One of the greatest duos in the history of music!...Sonny whoopin and a hollerin, Brownie smooth as silk. Two masters of their instruments, two great voices both individually and in harmony all forged together to create a collection of great songs from two men born with the blues
@jamesa.rodriguez8598
I learned to play the harmonica listening to this. Thanks Sonny n Brownie. And most of all. Thank You, Lord!
@davebeach2343
First heard this in 1976 as a freshman at college. Vietnam war still stirred up the younger people. Made this memorable to this day. Beautiful!
@anje2150
I bought one of their albums in the 60's and this song was on it. I was blown away! Still sounds just as good!
@michaelj7684
Always feels like home when I'm listening to this song ♥️, if that makes sense
@anitamelon3559
I can not get over the melody he can pull off on that harp, this is awesome and I am an avid fan of theirs, thanks bunches Travelerintothe blue
@jfjeter3
My favorite version of this classic song
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@marttisaarelma
Thanks to put this in youtube Sonny Terry is one of my favorite harpist since decades, mara from the moon = Finland
@gaggle57
I learned to play guitar by jamming along to one of my dad's Sonny & Terry albums .