Thompson's musical style, characterized as Honky Tonk Swing, is a mixture of big-band instrumentation, fiddle and steel guitar that supports his distinctive, gravelly baritone vocals on songs he often writes himself. His backing band, The Brazos Valley Boys, was voted the No.1 Country Western Band for 14 years in a row by Billboard Magazine.
He decided to pursue his musical talent after serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a radioman and studying electrical engineering at the university level. His first single was "Whoa Sailor" in 1946. The year 1952 brought his first #1 disc, "The Wild Side of Life", which contained the memorable line "I didn't know God made honky-tonk angels" (which inspired the Kitty Wells response, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels"). Other hits followed in quick succession in the 1950s and 1960s. Although not as prominent in later decades, he has remained an active and respected performer in the field, finding new audiences as a result of the resurgence of a harder-edged sound in country music.
Hank Thompson was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997. He was born 3 September 1925 in Waco, Texas, and passed away at home in Keller, Texas, on 6 November 2007, just four days after cancelling his final tour.
Lazy River
Hank Thompson Lyrics
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Writers Hoagy Carmichael, Sid Arodin
Up a lazy river by the old mill stream That lazy, hazy river where we both can dream Linger in the shade of an old oak tree Throw away your troubles, dream a dream with me Up a lazy river where the robin's song Wakes up in the mornin', as we roll along Blue skies up above ....everyone's in love Up a lazy river, how happy we will be, now Up a lazy river with me (instrumental break) Up a lazy river by the old mill run That lazy, lazy river in the noon day sun You can linger in the shade of that fine ole tree Throw, away your troubles, baby, dream with me Up a lazy river where the robin's song Wakes a brand new mornin' as we roll along There are blue skies up above...and as long as we're in love Up a lazy river, how happy we could be If you go up a lazy river with me Ah said with me now.....goin'up that... lazy river..... with me
The song "Lazy River," written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sid Arodin, is a classic tune about escaping from the stresses of life and finding inner peace by wandering up a lazy river. The lyrics describe the river as a place where two lovers can dream and forget about their troubles, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The old oak tree and blue skies above provide the perfect settings for finding tranquility and happiness.
As the song proceeds, the singer invites the listener to join him on the journey up the lazy river, promising that their happiness will only grow as they go upriver. The use of the phrase "lazy river" throughout the song invokes a sense of relaxation and nostalgia, and the repeated invitation to "dream with me" serves as an invitation to let go of one's worries and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature.
Overall, "Lazy River" is a song that celebrates the simple pleasures of life, reminding listeners that sometimes it's important to slow down and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind in order to appreciate the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Up a lazy river by the old mill stream
Let's take a leisurely stroll along the calm river by the rustic mill stream.
That lazy, hazy river where we both can dream
This serene and laid-back river is an ideal spot for us to relax and let our minds wander.
Linger in the shade of an old oak tree
We can rest and spend some time under the cool shade of the ancient oak tree here.
Throw away your troubles, dream a dream with me
Let's forget our worries and indulge in some peaceful dreaming together.
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
As we continue our tranquil journey upstream, we can enjoy the sweet melody of the robin's song.
Wakes up in the mornin', as we roll along
The chirping of the robin serves as a morning wakeup call for us as we move ahead on our slow journey.
Blue skies up above ....everyone's in love
As we make our way through the idyllic surroundings, noticing the vast expanse of blue skies, we can't help but feel the love in the air.
Up a lazy river, how happy we will be, now
The peace and tranquility of the lazy river makes us feel content and happy in the present moment.
Up a lazy river with me
Join me in this blissful experience of floating gently up the lazy river.
Up a lazy river by the old mill run
As we progress further, we come across the old mill stream, where we continue our journey up the lazy river.
That lazy, lazy river in the noon day sun
Even during the scorching noon day heat, the lazy river maintains its relaxed state, making it an excellent spot to spend some quality time.
You can linger in the shade of that fine ole tree
Here, you can take your time and relax under the shade of one of the many magnificent trees in the area.
Throw, away your troubles, baby, dream with me
Let's forget about the stresses of our lives and enjoy a moment of peaceful dreaming together.
Up a lazy river where the robin's song
As we float along, we continue to be serenaded by the beautiful birdsong of the robin.
Wakes a brand new mornin' as we roll along
The sound of the robin's song has a rejuvenating effect, waking us up to the beauty of a new morning as we float further upstream.
There are blue skies up above...and as long as we're in love
The blue skies above are a constant reminder of the beauty and magic of being in love.
Up a lazy river, how happy we could be
This peaceful and relaxed trip down the lazy river can make us incredibly happy and content.
If you go up a lazy river with me
Join me on this calming and romantic journey up the lazy river, and together we can strip away our worries and anxieties.
Ah said with me now.....goin'up that... lazy river..... with me
Come with me now and let us enjoy a soothing float up the lazy river together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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