Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own radio show, The Wayfaring Stranger, which popularized traditional folk songs. In 1942, he appeared in Irving Berlin's This Is the Army and became a major star of CBS Radio. In the 1960s, he successfully crossed over into country music, recording hits such as "A Little Bitty Tear" and "Funny Way of Laughin'". Ives was also a popular film actor through the late 1940s and '50s. His film roles included parts in So Dear to My Heart (1948) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), as well as the role of Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country (1958), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Ives is often associated with the Christmas season. He did voice-over work as Sam the Snowman, narrator of the classic 1964 Christmas television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Ives also worked on the special's soundtrack, including the songs "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", both of which continue to chart annually on the Billboard holiday charts into the 2020s.
Cool Water
Burl Ives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Dan can you see that big green tree
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 lyrics of Burl Ives's song "Cool Water" depict a tale of desperation and longing for water in a barren waste. The singer and his companion, Old Dan, are enduring the harsh conditions with parched throats and souls yearning for the relief of cool, clear water. They keep moving forward, despite the devil-like figure warning against hope and spreading the burning sand instead. However, the singer catches a glimpse of a majestic green tree, a symbol of hope and abundance, where the water flows freely, waiting for them. The nights bring a sense of coolness and the singer sees each star as a reflection of water. But with the dawn, the search for water resumes, motivated by the necessity to survive. The shadows seem to join in the prayer for water, and the singer believes that their plea will be heard by a divine force. Ultimately, they hope to find the elusive water and provide respite for themselves and Old Dan.
Interpretation:
The lyrics of "Cool Water" relay a profound allegory of the human struggle to find relief in the midst of desolation. The barren waste symbolizes the challenges and hardships of life that drain us both physically and emotionally. Water becomes a metaphor for sustenance, renewal, and salvation. It represents the essential elements we need to thrive and find solace. The longing for cool water mirrors our innate desire for peace, fulfillment, and a respite from life's difficulties. The tree with its running water signifies the promise of abundance and the hope that sustains us during our darkest times. The singer's determination to continue the search for water echoes the resilience and perseverance necessary to overcome adversity and find fulfillment in life.
Line by Line Meaning
All day I've faced the barren waste
Throughout the entire day, I have endured a desolate and unproductive wasteland.
Without the taste of water, cool water
Deprived of the refreshing sensation that only cool, clear water can provide.
Old Dan and I with throats burned dry
My loyal companion, Old Dan, and I have parched throats from the scorching heat.
And souls that cry for water, cool clear water
Our very souls deeply long for the rejuvenating and pure essence of water.
Keep a-movin', Dan, don't you listen to him
Continue moving forward, Dan, disregard anyone who discourages or misleads you.
Dan he's a devil not a man
Dan is a deceitful and malicious figure, not to be trusted or perceived as human.
And he spreads the burning sand with water
He manipulates and scatters the scorching sand under the guise of providing water.
Dan can you see that big green tree
Can you perceive, Dan, the magnificent and vibrant green tree in the distance?
Where the water's runnin' free
A place where water flows freely and abundantly without any constraints.
And it's waiting there for you and me
This idyllic location eagerly anticipates our arrival, offering its treasures to both of us.
The nights are cool and I'm a fool
During the serene evenings, the temperature drops pleasantly, and I willingly submit to being foolish.
Each star's a pool of water, cool water
Every individual star embellishing the night sky represents a vast oasis of cool, clear water.
But with the dawn I'll wake and yawn
However, as the sun rises, I will awaken and let out a tired yawn.
And carry on to water, cool, clear, water
I will persevere and continue towards the source of water, craving its refreshing and pure qualities.
The shadows sway and seem to say
The dancing shadows gently sway and seem to convey a message.
Tonight we pray for water, cool, water
This evening, we fervently pray for the arrival of water, cool and soothing.
And way up there He'll hear our prayer
High above, a divine entity will listen attentively to our prayer.
And show us where there's water, cool, clear water
Guiding us, this higher power will reveal the exact location of water, tranquil and crystal clear.
Dan's feet are sore he's yearning for
Dan's weary feet ache, and he passionately yearns for
Just one thing more than water, cool, water
Only one thing is desired more than revitalizing water - the very essence of coolness and refreshment.
Like me I guess he'd like to rest
Similar to me, I suppose Dan would also appreciate the opportunity to rest.
Where there's no quest for water, cool, clear, water
In a place devoid of the constant search for water, where cool and pure water is abundant.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Nolan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Grandpa Can Cook
You don't appreciate some of the real greats, like Burl Ives, until they are gone. Thank you Burl.
Robmanrico
Great voice, great singer and a great actor was Burl Ives, thanks Burl for the memories.
Christer Norberg
ok
middleC17
I had never heard this until just now, but my grandpa always sings the "cool, clear water" part whenever the subject comes up. He can't carry a tune in a bucket, but this was instantly recognizable, haha! I never knew where it came from, and I'm so happy I found this!
Seth MalaxEtxebarria
Please visit Tim Nelson's version and Marty Robbins version each have their own favourable aspects
coopsmusicvision
my dad sang the same song every time he drank water,' cool clear water" its a very good song and burl ives did this cover beautifully
Lenox Napier
My Dad would play this record (fifty odd years ago). It's still a great song today.
David Miller
+Lenox Napier So did my dad many many years ago. Sunday family time around the victrola listening to these tunes.
Charles Boyer
The song was written in 1936 by Bob Nolan -- it's a fine example of "western music" -- as in the forgotten half of "country and western." Marty Robbins probably had the most famous version, but this is an excellent rendition by a man who's artistic ability is all too often overlooked.
The Random Soldier
Poor Hank and cash