Down By The Riverside
Chimène Badi Lyrics


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I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more.

I'm gonna lay down my heavy load
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my heavy load
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more.

I ain't gonna study war no more,
Ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more.
[x2]

I'm gonna put on my long white robe
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe
Down by the riverside
Study war no more.
I'm gonna study war no more




Study war no more.
Study war... no more.

Overall Meaning

The song "Down By The Riverside" by Chimène Badi is a traditional African-American spiritual that reflects the desire for peace and the end of war. The lyrics suggest a peaceful ending to the life of a soldier who decides to "lay down [their] sword and shield…ain't gonna study war no more." The riverside represents a place of spiritual healing and renewal where the singer sheds their burdens and finds a new sense of purpose.


The repetition of the phrase "ain't gonna study war no more" emphasizes the decision to turn away from war and violence. The song speaks to a larger message of hope and redemption for those who have experienced the horrors of war. The final verse, where the singer puts on a "long white robe," seems to suggest a metaphorical transformation, perhaps finding solace through faith.


Overall, the song presents a powerful anti-war message, reminding listeners that peace is the ultimate objective in any conflict. It is a timeless reminder that violence only leads to more violence and that true healing can be found through nonviolent means.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield Down by the riverside Down by the riverside Down by the riverside I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield Down by the riverside Ain't gonna study war no more.
I will discard my weapons and defenses by the river, never to take them up again in pursuit of war.


I ain't gonna study war no more, Ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more. I ain't gonna study war no more, Ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more.
I refuse to engage in military conflicts and will no longer prepare for or educate myself on such matters.


I'm gonna lay down my heavy load Down by the riverside Down by the riverside Down by the riverside I'm gonna lay down my heavy load Down by the riverside Ain't gonna study war no more.
I will relinquish my burdens and responsibilities by the river, no longer carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders in the context of war.


I'm gonna put on my long white robe Down by the riverside Down by the riverside Down by the riverside I'm gonna put on my long white robe Down by the riverside Study war no more.
I will don a ceremonial white garment by the river, denoting my spirituality and commitment to pacifism.


I'm gonna study war no more Study war no more. Study war... no more.
I am dedicating myself to a life free from the destruction, suffering, and injustice of war and conflict.




Contributed by Keira M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@sandrinemarechal2106

Ke gospel lui va trop bien même ses autres chansons elle a une voix en or et resplendissante et quand elle chante elle me donne des frissons c'est ka meilleure des chanteuses et chanteurs de maintenant qui n'ont pas de voix hors Chimène a une voix et un grand talent et elle mérite d'être plus reconnu je t'aime Chimène bonne continuation ❤

@vintage1296

la beauté de la femme dans toute sa splendeur et sa voix quel voix merci chimène

@rapidos38

superbe avec cette chorale

@diams71480

Géniale notre Chimène avec le groupe Gospel!

@fouziakadiri7259

Vous êtes superbe...j adore

@keniacruz37

she looks so beautiful and i love the way she sings

@noureddineanas5501

I am proud to be Algerian and we love you more than anything else you are the most important to us

@mmmm-se8vu

Chimène has a privilegied voice, but she doesn't know to rentabilize her carrière, she should have done a cd with all these standards songs. Am not algerian but like her , she is one of the best artist in france and not recognised at her real value. She should go for it now. She has international class to sucess much more.

@line2268

j'adore !

@user-cp7jd2ml4q

la sublime chimene

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