Harlem River Blues
Justin Townes-Earle Lyrics
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Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
I'm on a roll, mama, I gotta go, gotta get there while I still can
Troubled days are behind me now and I know they're gonna let me in
When you see me walkin' up the empty yard, just a-singin' and a-clappin' my hands
Tell my mama I love her, tell my father I tried, give my money to my baby to spend
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Good times come and they go, even a good man'll break
He'll let his troubles bury him whole even though he knows what's at stake
So I'm taking no chances, carrying over while I'm still good in His grace
Sayin' I'm no fool, mama, I know the difference between tempting and choosing my fate
'Cause Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
In Justin Townes-Earle's song "Harlem River Blues," the singer is determined to end his life by drowning himself in the Harlem River. He sings about how troubled days are behind him now and how he knows they're going to let him into heaven. The lyrics suggest that he has been through tough times and is now at the breaking point. He notes that even a good man can break, and he's not willing to take any chances. The singer says that he knows the difference between tempting and choosing his fate, implying that he has thought long and hard about his decision to end his life.
The lyrics of "Harlem River Blues" are poignant in their depiction of a man who is at the end of his rope. The repetition of the line "Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown" underscores the singer's determination to carry out his plan. The metaphor of the Harlem River as a place to cleanse one's soul is a powerful one, as is the notion that dirty water will cover him over and he won't make a sound. The song is both sad and beautiful, capturing the complexity of human emotions in a way that is both honest and relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
I am going to the Harlem River to end my life.
Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound
I will quietly let the dirty water take me over and end my life.
I'm on a roll, mama, I gotta go, gotta get there while I still can
I am determined to end my life before anything changes my mind.
Troubled days are behind me now and I know they're gonna let me in
I have been through tough times, but I believe that death will bring me peace.
When you see me walkin' up the empty yard, just a-singin' and a-clappin' my hands
As I approach the river, I will seem happy and carefree, but inside, I am ready to die.
Tell my mama I love her, tell my father I tried, give my money to my baby to spend
I want my loved ones to know that I care for them, but I have made up my mind to end my life.
Good times come and they go, even a good man'll break
Even though things can get better, sometimes a person can't handle the pain and chooses to end their life.
He'll let his troubles bury him whole even though he knows what's at stake
A person can let their problems consume them, even if they know the consequences of their actions.
So I'm taking no chances, carrying over while I'm still good in His grace
I do not want to risk making things worse by staying alive, so I am choosing to end my life while I am still in God's good graces.
Sayin' I'm no fool, mama, I know the difference between tempting and choosing my fate
I am not acting impulsively; I know that I am making a deliberate choice to end my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Scott Baxendale
I made both the guitars that Justin and Jason Isbell are playing here. I’m devastated about Justin’s passing. He was a troubled soul who left way too soon.
Marcus Poirier
A sad day indeed and I thought that was Jason.
cath salazar
Wow that’s so f in cool thanks for sharing that info bless u dude!!!!! Lol ❤️👍☮️😻🤟🙏
TheMarpalm
So sad!
Tom Whalen
I may have stalked your shop on Colfax once when Drive-by Truckers were in town and sure enough "bumped into" all the boys on their way inside :)
CrikeyAlexNick
Letterman doesn't get nearly enough credit for booking relatively unknown artists and bands. He has helped launch A LOT of careers over the years. Good man who appreciates good music.
David Rosenberg
I think that might be the single best musical performance I have ever seen on late night TV.
Nhamp2000
Warren Zevon always said Dave was the best friend his music ever had.
Daniel Mims
Dave is friends with Justin's dad, Steve Earle. He has performed on there so many times. Sadly justin only made 2 letterman appearances before he passed.
Christian Cantarutti
Letterman had absolutely zero input on musical guests. He had top acts because he had the best show. RIP JTE