Down By The Riverside
Joe & Eddie Lyrics

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I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside,
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)

Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside

Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (A-ha) down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

Overall Meaning

The song, "Down by the Riverside" is an old spiritual tune that speaks about laying down one's burdens and studying war no more. It is a song of peace and a call to abandon violence, and to trust in the power of the river, which symbolizes moving forward and washing away the past. The singer expresses a desire to leave the burdens of war behind, even putting on a long white robe, which symbolizes purity and a new beginning. As the singer lays down their sword and shield, it is clear that they are ready to embrace a new way of living without the violence and pain of war. The repetition of the phrase "I ain't a gonna study war no more" reinforces the idea that the singer is committed to living a peaceful, non-violent life.

The song's lyrics seem to be a call to action for people to put an end to war and violence, and to embrace a new way of living that is more peaceful and harmonious. Its message is particularly relevant in times of turmoil and strife, where violence and war seem to be more prevalent than ever. The singer's determination to "study war no more" is inspiring, and serves as a reminder for us all to work towards a more peaceful and just world.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside, Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I am going to relieve myself of my burdens and let them go by the riverside. This will be a place for me to find peace and a sense of calmness.

I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside, I'm gonna study war no more
By releasing my burden at the riverside, I am also letting go of my desire to engage in war and conflict. I am actively choosing to seek out more peaceful pursuits.

I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I am making a firm decision to turn away from war and conflict, instead choosing to focus on more peaceful endeavors in my life.

Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) Down by the riverside (Oh) Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I am going to dress in a white robe, a symbol of purity and peace, as I spend time by the riverside. It is a place that will help me find a sense of calmness and purity in my life.

I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside, I'm gonna study war no more
By dressing in white and spending time by the riverside, I am reminding myself of the importance of peace in my life. I am making a conscious choice to move away from war and conflict and towards a more peaceful life.

I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
As I spend time by the riverside, I am reaffirming my commitment to move away from violence and conflict. I am choosing to focus on more peaceful pursuits and leave war behind.

Well, I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
In addition to my burdens, I am also going to lay down my weapons and defenses by the riverside. It is a place where I can let go of aggression and violence and focus on peace and tranquility.

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (A-ha) down by the riverside, I'm gonna study war no more
By laying down my weapons and defenses, I am letting go of aggression and violence in my life. I am choosing to focus on peaceful pursuits and leave war behind.

I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Through my actions and commitment to peace, I am affirming my decision to move away from war and conflict. I am choosing to focus on more peaceful endeavors and leave violence behind.

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, TERRY RENDALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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