Lazy River
Hoagy Carmichael and Friends Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Up a lazy river by the old mill run
That lazy, lazy river in the noonday sun
Linger in the shade of a kind old tree
Throw away your troubles, dream a dream with me

Up the lazy river, where the robin's song
Awakes a bright new morning you can vault along
Blue skies up above, everyone's in love
Up that lazy river, how happy you can be




Up that lazy river with me

Overall Meaning

Hoagy Carmichael's song Lazy River is an invitation to escape the worries of life and join him on a carefree journey along a peaceful river. The verse begins with an image of a serene landscape, "Up a lazy river by the old mill run, that lazy, lazy river in the noonday sun," which serves as the setting for the rest of the song. The singer then invites us to "linger in the shade of a kind old tree, throw away your troubles, dream a dream with me." Here, the tree represents a shelter, not just from the sun, but from the stress of the world. We're asked to let go of our worries and immerse ourselves in the moment.


The second verse reinforces the idea that this journey is an escape from the world. "Up the lazy river, where the robin's song awakes a bright new morning you can vault along." The robin's song symbolizes the potential for new beginnings and the possibility of a better tomorrow. The mention of "blue skies up above, everyone's in love" emphasizes that this experience is about pure joy and happiness. The singer concludes the verse by reiterating the invitation, "Up that lazy river, how happy you can be, up that lazy river with me."


Line by Line Meaning

Up a lazy river by the old mill run
Let's take a leisurely stroll along a slow-moving river that flows by an old water mill


That lazy, lazy river in the noonday sun
The tranquil river flows lazily under the hot sun of the afternoon


Linger in the shade of a kind old tree
We'll take our time and rest for a while under the cool shade of a friendly old tree


Throw away your troubles, dream a dream with me
Don't worry about your problems, instead let's daydream together and forget about our worries


Up the lazy river, where the robin's song
We'll explore further upstream, where we can hear the delightful melody of a robin's song


Awakes a bright new morning you can vault along
This cheerful tune is a joyful reminder of a new day that brings endless opportunities, and we should embrace it with open arms


Blue skies up above, everyone's in love
With the clear blue sky above us, it feels like love is in the air and everything is just perfect


Up that lazy river, how happy you can be
As we float on up that gentle river, we can't help but feel a sense of joy and relaxation that fills our minds and hearts


Up that lazy river with me
So let's continue our carefree journey up this lazy river together




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Hoagy Carmichael, Sidney Arodin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jorge Mario Rodas

This is a very good melody and song. The rhythm is sweet and mellow and the lyrics an invitation to relax and take it easy. Very good to hear in these days of rushing around to get things done. The lyrics are simple but direct and are well pronounced so it is an easy song to understand.

Jorge Mario Rodas

Linda canción y melodía tan bien compuesta "Río perezoso" Una invitación a relajarse y tomar las cosas con calma.

Jorge Mario Rodas

Preciosa melodía que esuché por primera vez en una versión en el disco "All star album" de 1963. Me gustó mucho aunque tardé bastante en encontrar la versión original que es esta. Una de las grandes canciones junto con Heart and Soul, Old Buttermilk Sky, Stardust que este gran compositor y músico Americano compuso.

Tony Trotta

Excellent version! I also like the Billy Vaughn and His Orchestra version! Great song!

Jorge Mario Rodas

Although from before my own time I like this sweet and slow melody which is very nice to hear and enjoy when one is tired of working and wishes to relax. Very relaxing really and very nice too.

David Anderson

This is the cleanest recording that I've heard, so far. If I had an orchestra, this is how they would be instructed to perform this number. Otherwise, hit the road. Or, I guess I'd hit the road. Either way, this is the correct way for this song to be played.

Jorge Mario Rodas

Great tune and song as sung by the very same composer.  I like to hear this song to relax after a busy day.  One of the best I have ever Heard for relaxing.  Great!! 

MirchaIlie

Me encanta. Gracias.

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