River Stay 'Way from My Door
Dave Brubeck & Jimmy Rushing Lyrics
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But I have heard somebody say
That someday you may
Squeeze my home away.
So roll along you lonely river
And find your way to the sea,
I don't bother you,
You keep goin' your way,
I'll keep goin' my way,
River, stay 'way from my door!
I just got a cabin,
You don't need a cabin,
River, stay 'way from my door!
Don't come up any higher,
I'm so all alone.
Leave my bed and my fire,
That's all I'll ever own!
I ain't breakin' your heart,
Don't start breakin' my heart,
River, stay 'way from my door!
In the song "River Stay 'Way From My Door" by Dave Brubeck and Jimmy Rushing, the singer addresses a river, telling it to stay away from his home. He acknowledges that the river may seem insignificant, but warns that it has the potential to flood and take away his home. The singer tells the river to continue on its path to the sea and leave him alone. He is protective of his cabin, noting that the river does not need a cabin and therefore should stay away. He pleads with the river not to come any higher, as he is all alone and has only his bed and fire to call his own. He asserts that he is not hurting the river and doesn't want it to hurt him in return. Essentially, the song is about the desire for autonomy and control over one's own life and belongings, free from the threat of destruction from external forces like a river.
Line by Line Meaning
You're just a lonely little river,
You may seem small and insignificant, but you have the potential to cause great harm.
But I have heard somebody say
There are rumors circulating that you may become more powerful and dangerous.
That someday you may
There is a possibility that you could become a threat in the future.
Squeeze my home away.
You could potentially cause flooding that would destroy my home and everything I own.
So roll along you lonely river
Just keep moving, without causing any harm or interference in my life.
And find your way to the sea,
Your ultimate destination is the sea and you should continue your journey without causing any damage.
I don't bother you,
I am not causing any harm to you.
Don't you bother me!
So you should not cause any harm or disturbance to my life.
You keep goin' your way,
Keep moving and following your natural course.
I'll keep goin' my way,
I will continue on my own path without interfering with you.
River, stay 'way from my door!
Please do not come near my home.
I just got a cabin,
I recently acquired a small dwelling.
You don't need a cabin,
You have no use for a cabin, as you are a river.
River, stay 'way from my door!
Please stay away and do not cause any harm or damage to my new home.
Don't come up any higher,
Do not rise any higher, as floodwaters could damage my home.
I'm so all alone.
I am living alone and have no one to help me in the case of natural disasters like flooding.
Leave my bed and my fire,
Do not damage my home or destroy any of my belongings, like my bed or fireplace.
That's all I'll ever own!
My cabin and its contents are all I have, and I am vulnerable to any environmental damage.
I ain't breakin' your heart,
I have not caused you any harm, and do not mean to in the future.
Don't start breakin' my heart,
Please do not cause any damage to my home and my belongings, as it would be devastating for me.
River, stay 'way from my door!
Please do not come too close to my home and cause any damage or harm.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: HARRY WOODS, MORT DIXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sparkescadman
I want to thank our friend Jonathan Schwartz for playing this today, bringing me a new favorite! One of the top ten songs I'd play to define jazz in the late 50's and early 60's.....
@TonySchopp
Morellos playing is completely outstanding. Pocket Joe, swingin' throughout.
@alain59200
love this track
@ronniealexander2648
I love it
@ronniealexander5715
to cool.😉👏👏💯😯💃💃
@100playonplaya
dope
@TonySchopp
Morelos