Down By The Riverside
Johnny Cash Elvis Presley Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins Lyrics
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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
The song "Down By The Riverside" is a powerful protest song that speaks against war and violence. The first stanza talks about putting down one's burdens and leaving them by the riverside. The reference to the riverside can be interpreted as a symbol of cleansing and purification. The next stanza talks about not wanting to study war anymore. This could imply that the person has had enough of the violence and destruction that come with war and wants to move on to a more peaceful existence. The repetition of the phrase "I ain't a gonna study war no more" emphasizes the singer's determination to leave violence behind.
The third stanza is about putting on a long white robe down by the riverside. The white robe can be interpreted as symbolizing purity and peace. The fourth stanza talks about laying down one's sword and shield, another reference to the desire for peace. The song may have been inspired by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, which was characterized by nonviolent protests against racial inequality.
Overall, "Down By The Riverside" is a powerful statement against war and violence, with a strong emphasis on the desire for peace and reconciliation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside,
I'm going to release myself from the weight of my troubles, and find peace and tranquility by the riverside.
I'm gonna study war no more
I have no desire to engage in any more conflict, and instead want to focus on a life of peace.
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I want to make it clear that I have made the decision to leave behind thoughts of war and violence, and focus on peace.
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)
I am going to dress in my finest clothes, a symbol of my readiness to start a new life of purity and righteousness, beside the flowing waters of the riverside.
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside
I will give up any weapons I possess, along with the need for protection, as I seek refuge by the peaceful riverside.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BILL (USA) BLACK, TRADITIONAL, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GeorgeVreelandHill
If they had been a band, they would have been the greatest band in music history.
@xrxs1020
Spontaneous and magical.
@brendabooher6683
I believe that God had a hand in putting these wonderful musicians together on this day in 1956. Elvis loved gospel music and he loved his fans. Just happy that this jamming session was being recorded. The only one that is still with us now is Jerry Lee. May Elvis, Johnny, and Carl R.i.p. They are all great entertainers. Millions still listen to thier music today. I am still listening in 2020.
@beautifulinsideout5258
Elvis voice was so powerful it's towering over the rest.
@xrxs1020
They're all great. The other stars were graciously supplying back-up as brilliant as Elvis' singing.
@dynjarren7523
This is great! I like how Jerry Lee joins in and sounds like he knows these songs backwards. They both complement each other well.
Fantastic!
@elainetyler1447
Wow how awesome
@kitcachapp3094
That sounds absolutely awesome! Although didn't see the point in having Johnny Cash on the record?
I couldn't even hear him
@luthermoore2969
More talent between these four than all the music industry today and that's a fact
@cameralady4129
Absolutely amazing cover of Sister Rosetta Tharpe by the Million Dollar Quartet