Growing up in Portishead, Andy met Geoff Barrow who was later to head the b… Read Full Bio ↴Growing up in Portishead, Andy met Geoff Barrow who was later to head the band that put the place on the map. Andy became Portishead's Tour DJ where his eclectic style was perfectly showcased on the band's 1995 and 1998 world tours and he's been in constant demand in clubs across the globe ever since.
See also Dynamo Productions

The Dock of the Bay
DJ Andy Smith Lyrics

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Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time
I left my home in Georgia

Headed for the 'Frisco bay
Cause I've had nothing to live for
And look like nothin's gonna come my way
So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time

Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same, yes
Sittin' here resting my bones
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home
Now, I'm just gonna sit at the dock of the bay

Watching the tide roll away
Sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to DJ Andy Smith's "The Dock of the Bay" describe a feeling of aimlessness and solitude as the singer sits on the docks of San Francisco Bay, watching the ships coming and going. The repetition of the phrase "sittin' on the dock of the bay" emphasizes the singer's inactivity and sense of stagnation in their life. The lyrics suggest that the singer has fled from Georgia, seeking a new beginning, but now feels disillusioned as nothing seems to have changed in their life. The line "this loneliness won't leave me alone" indicates that despite being surrounded by people, the singer feels disconnected and isolated from them.

The singer's refusal to follow the advice of others suggests that they are fiercely independent but also stubborn. The last line of the song, "Sittin' on the dock of the bay, wastin' time", implies that the singer has given up trying to find a purpose in life and is resigned to simply watching the world go by from their vantage point on the docks.

Line by Line Meaning

Sittin' in the mornin' sun
Starting my day relaxed and carefree

I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
I plan on sitting here all day, watching the world go by

Watching the ships roll in
Observing the hustle and bustle of the busy harbour

And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
Seeing the ships depart, ready for their next adventure

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Finding comfort and peace in this spot by the water

Watching the tide roll away
Observing the natural ebb and flow of the waves

I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time
Passing the hours without any particular purpose or direction

I left my home in Georgia
Embarked on a journey far away from my place of origin

Headed for the 'Frisco bay
Making my way to San Francisco, seeking a new environment

Cause I've had nothing to live for
Feeling unfulfilled, lacking direction and motivation

And look like nothin's gonna come my way
Expecting the future to be bleak and uninspiring

So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Choosing to remain in this spot, finding contentment in the simplicity of life

Watching the tide roll away
Focusing on the peaceful rhythm of the water

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time
Not concerned with productivity or achievement, simply enjoying the present moment

Look like nothing's gonna change
The future appears stagnant and unchanging

Everything still remains the same
The monotony and predictability of life continues

I can't do what ten people tell me to do
Refusing to conform to the expectations and demands of others

So I guess I'll remain the same, yes
Resigned to being true to oneself, regardless of external pressure

Sittin' here resting my bones
Taking a well-deserved break from the stresses of life

And this loneliness won't leave me alone
Despite finding peace in solitude, feeling a sense of isolation

It's two thousand miles I roamed
Traveled a great distance to reach this destination

Just to make this dock my home
Finding a sense of belonging in this unlikely spot

Now, I'm just gonna sit at the dock of the bay
Embracing the simplicity and stillness of this place

Watching the tide roll away
Finding peace in the natural beauty of the water

Sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time
Enjoying the freedom of being unburdened by a strict schedule or obligations

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steve Cropper, Otis Redding

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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