Catherine Russell (*1956) is a native New Yorker, born with an enviable mus… Read Full Bio ↴Catherine Russell (*1956) is a native New Yorker, born with an enviable musical pedigree. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was born in Panama and moved to New Orleans and then New York City, becoming a pioneering pianist/bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, is an outstanding bassist and vocalist and holder of advanced degrees from Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, who has performed with Mary Lou Williams and Wynton Marsalis. Not surprisingly considering her roots, Catherine Russell is a one of a kind vocalist. She has toured the world, performing and recording with a wide array of trend setting artists, including Paul Simon, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Jackson Browne, and Rosanne Cash. Her vocal skills have been utilized consistently by Jay Denes for both his Blue Six and Naked Music NYC projects.

Since the 2006 release of her debut album, Cat, on Harmonia Mundi's World Village label, Catherine Russell has been making fans and friends and grabbing listeners by the ear. “She is a fresh and original voice. The most exciting debut album I’ve heard in a long time.” writes New York Sun critic and Sinatra biographer, Will Friedwald, who picked Cat among his top 10 cds of the year. “It’s a delight to hear the real thing in Catherine Russell.”, writes Nat Hentoff in The Wall Street Journal.

Ms. Russell has been a hit on major events like Chicago Blues Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Bern International Jazz Festival, JVC-New York Jazz Festival, Detroit International Jazz Festival, Tanglewood Jazz Festival, Lotus Festival, and at premier venues like The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Sculler's in Boston, The Dakota in Minneapolis, and The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. She has appeared on the nationally syndicated shows Mountain Stage, JazzSet on NPR, Studio 360, and The Tavis Smiley Show on PBS-TV. Reviews and profiles have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Living Blues, Blues Review, Downbeat, Goldmine, No Depression, Boston Herald, Newark Star Ledger, JazzTimes, Chicago Sun Times, and many more.

Cat spent weeks on JazzWeek magazine's chart for national airplay, while Back O Town Blues was a top 10 download on I-Tunes Jazz Chart. National Public Radio's top 5 jazz cd's of 2006 included Cat, as chosen by WBGO dj's for NPR's year end "Best Of" List.

Catherine Russell's 2nd album on World Village, Sentimental Streak, hit the streets on February 12, 2008, to universal acclaim, becoming a world-wide favorite of critics and fans alike.

Troubled Waters
Catherine Russell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna drown, drown in those troubled waters
They're creepin' round my soul
They're way beyond control
And they'll wash my sins away before the mornin'

They say I'm one of the devil's daughters
They look at me with scorn
I'll never hear that horn

I'll be underneath the water
Judgment mornin'

What Lord am I to blame
Must I hang my head in shame
If people go round scandalisin' my name

Oh I'm gonna drown in those troubled waters
They're creepin' round my soul
They're way beyond my control
And they'll wash my sins away before the morn'

What Lord am I to blame
Must I hang my head in shame
If people go round scandalisin' my name

Oh I'm gonna drown in those troubled waters
They're creepin' round my soul

They're way beyond my control
And they'll wash my sins away before the morn'

Overall Meaning

Catherine Russell’s song, “Troubled Waters,” portrays the struggles of a person who is going through a difficult time in their life. The troubled waters referenced in this song refer to the trials and tribulations of life, and the singer feels like they’re drowning in them. These waters have taken control of their soul and are washing away their sins before judgment day, which the singer anticipates with dread.

Adding to their troubles, the singer believes people are scandalizing their name and blames themselves for it. They wonder what they have done wrong to deserve such treatment and if they should be hanging their heads in shame. Despite their inner turmoil, the singer has faith in the idea that these troubled waters will ultimately cleanse them and wash away their sins before the morning.

The lyrics of the song are rich in metaphorical language, using the idea of water to represent the hardships of life. Through these lyrics, Catherine Russell showcases her talent for poignant songwriting that resonates with listeners on a deep and emotional level.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna drown, drown in those troubled waters
I feel like I'm going to be overwhelmed by my problems and sins

They're creepin' round my soul
My troubles are affecting me deep inside

They're way beyond control
I'm struggling to handle my problems

And they'll wash my sins away before the mornin'
I feel like my troubles will end up cleansing me of my sins

They say I'm one of the devil's daughters
People believe that I'm wicked or evil

They look at me with scorn
People are judging me harshly

I'll never hear that horn
I won't receive salvation from a higher power

I'll be underneath the water
I'll feel like I'm drowning in my troubles

Judgment mornin'
I'm worried about being judged for my sins

What Lord am I to blame
I'm not sure what I've done to deserve this

Must I hang my head in shame
Do I have to feel guilty or embarrassed about my situation