Something in the Water
John King Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Record man said, "Son, let me hear what you got
Word on the street is that you're pretty hot
Well, you Georgia boy's been makin' noise, I swear
Must be somethin' in the water down there"

Picked up my guitar and I started to strum
This little number 'bout where I come from
Way down the dirt road in the July air
You can bet there's somethin' in the water down there

Yeah, she's five foot somethin', legs all long and tanned
Sittin' on that river bank with the toes in the sand
Them Southern girls, I'll tell you, nothin' compares
Yeah, there's somethin' in the water down there
Yeah, yeah

There's a rock about thirty feet high
Jump off the top, feel like you can fly
Well, that river's cold, man, but you won't care
'Cause there's somethin' in the water down there

Yeah, she's five foot somethin', legs all long and tanned
Sittin' on that river bank with the toes in the sand
Them Southern girls, I'll tell you, nothin' compares
Yeah, there's somethin' in the water down there

If you wanna slow down
If you wanna go down
If you wanna jump in
Let me get an "amen"

Well, she's five foot somethin', legs all long and tanned
Sittin' on that river bank with the toes in the sand
Them Southern girls, I'll tell you, nothin' compares
Yeah, there's somethin' in the water down there

Yeah, she's five foot somethin', legs all long and tanned
Sittin' on that river bank with the toes in the sand
Them Southern girls, I'll tell you, nothin' compares




Yeah, there's somethin' in the water down there
Yeah, yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "Something in the Water" by John King is an upbeat, feel-good anthem that celebrates the beauty of the Southern way of life. The lyrics describe a young musician who impresses a record executive with his talent and is asked to perform a song. He picks up his guitar and plays a song inspired by his hometown and the southern girls he's known. The chorus emphasizes the message of the song, that there is something special about the water in the South that sets it apart from any other place. The lines in the song portray the laid-back, carefree nature of the Southern lifestyle, where people take things slow and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.


The opening lines convey the young musician’s chance encounter with a record executive. The record man praises the singer and his talent that is currently under the radar. He attributes the quality of the singer’s music to his location in Georgia, citing that there must be something in the water down there. When performed, the music impresses a crowd, and everyone begins to agree that there is indeed something unique about the music, the culture, that comes from Georgia. The Georgia boy’s talent is exceptional and noteworthy, but it's not entirely surprising considering the "something" that resides where he comes from.


The chorus of the song emphasizes an idea in the South- that people are free to experience the simple joys of life. It emphasizes the southern lifestyle, the personality and the pride of the Southern people in their culture. The mention of a charming southern lady sitting on a captivating river bank highlights the romantic and beautiful side of Georgia. The story of the river and rock in the song emphasizes young love with the line “If you wanna slow down, If you wanna go down, If you wanna jump in, Let me get an "amen" demonstrating a carefree quality of the southern lifestyle. The song concludes with the same emphasis on the allure of the South's natural elements.


Line by Line Meaning

Record man said, "Son, let me hear what you got
A record executive wanted to listen to John King's music.


Word on the street is that you're pretty hot
The record executive had heard good things about John's music.


Well, you Georgia boy's been makin' noise, I swear
John King's music was gaining attention in Georgia.


Must be somethin' in the water down there"
There is something special about Georgia, which is reflected in its music.


Picked up my guitar and I started to strum
John King began playing his guitar.


This little number 'bout where I come from
He wrote a song about his hometown.


Way down the dirt road in the July air
The song was set in a rural area in the middle of summer.


You can bet there's somethin' in the water down there
There is a special quality to the people and lifestyle of John King's hometown.


Yeah, she's five foot somethin', legs all long and tanned
John is describing a girl with a specific physical appearance.


Sittin' on that river bank with the toes in the sand
The girl is relaxing by the river.


Them Southern girls, I'll tell you, nothin' compares
John thinks that girls from the South are the best.


There's a rock about thirty feet high
There is a notable landmark in the area.


Jump off the top, feel like you can fly
People enjoy jumping off the rock and experiencing a thrill.


Well, that river's cold, man, but you won't care
Despite the cold temperature of the river, people still enjoy swimming in it.


'Cause there's somethin' in the water down there
There is a special quality to the area that makes it enjoyable for people.


If you wanna slow down
John is giving advice about how to enjoy the area.


If you wanna go down
He also suggests taking risks like jumping off the rock.


If you wanna jump in
John emphasizes the importance of experiencing the river.


Let me get an "amen"
John is asking for agreement from his listeners.


Well, she's five foot somethin', legs all long and tanned
John shares more about the girl he previously mentioned.


Sittin' on that river bank with the toes in the sand
She is still relaxing by the river.


Them Southern girls, I'll tell you, nothin' compares
John's admiration for girls from the South is reiterated.


Yeah, there's somethin' in the water down there
There is a special quality to the area that John loves.


Yeah, yeah
This is a common phrase used in many songs for emphasis or repetition.




Writer(s): Doug Johnson, John King, Brad Tursi

Contributed by Reagan T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Michelle Modigh

I just wanna sing along and dance 🤙🏻💃 really good song! ❤️

Missy Oliver

Have had the pleasure of seeing him 3 times he is really good love all his music

Marjorie LaNelle

Awesome song!

tessahhhhhhh

Really hope there will be a video to this!!!! Love it!

anne carole mahnken

had the oppertunity to see him live 2 times both times in was not disapontied by his set

anne carole mahnken

he even had my sister on stage with him

Alex Lawson

I saw him in Lawrenceburg. First time I ever heard of him glad I went.

BottleFed2vGT

A man I just wanted to let you know you have some good songs.

More Versions