Down By The River
D. Vincent Williams Lyrics

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Going down to the river
Wash my blues away
Going down to the river
Wash my blues away
But the river was empty
And now I'm drowning in pain
Gonna find me a river
A River with a different name

Gonna find me a river
A River with a different Name
But cigarettes and whiskey
Is the only thing to ease my pain
Gonna walk that river
Down to New Orleans
Gonna walk that river
Down to New Orleans
Find a voodoo women take this curse off of me
Going down to the river, Wash my blues away

Going down to the river, Wash my blues away
But the river was empty and now I'm drowning in pain

Overall Meaning

The opening lines "Going down to the river, wash my blues away" suggest the singer's desire to free himself from a difficult situation or a state of mind they are unhappy with. The use of the river as a metaphor for cleansing to promote emotional or psychological healing is a recurring theme in many blues songs.

However, the river is empty, which represents his efforts to feel better, but in vain. This creates a sense of stagnation or helplessness. He then decides to "find me a river with a different name." The latter suggests an attempt to start afresh or move away from the past that has brought the singer so much pain.

He continues to describe his reliance on vices such as cigarettes and whiskey to ease his pain. He is unable to break away from the cycle that holds him back. He then mentions New Orleans, the famous city known for its vibrant jazz scene and voodoo culture. He seeks out a voodoo woman who can lift the curse from him, once again emphasizing his desperation for relief.

Overall, "Down By The River" is a classic blues song that weaves powerful themes of desire, loss, and the struggle for emotional and psychological liberation.

Line by Line Meaning

Going down to the river
I am going to the river

Wash my blues away
I want to get rid of my sadness

Going down to the river
I am going to the river

Wash my blues away
I want to get rid of my sadness

But the river was empty
But I didn't find what I was looking for in the river

And now I'm drowning in pain
And now I feel overwhelmed by sadness

Gonna find me a river
I will search for another river

A River with a different name
A different kind of river

Gonna find me a river
I will search for another river

A River with a different Name
A different kind of river

But cigarettes and whiskey
However, smoking and drinking alcohol