Justin Townes Earle, born January 4, 1982 in Nashville, TN, was an American alt-country singer-songwriter who walked the line between old-time country and modern acoustic Indie music by breathing new life into early country, blues and gospel forms.
His first release, Yuma, in 2007 was a stark and beautiful set of songs written while Earle was fresh out of rehab and is now re-released by Bloodshot Records, who have a further three albums on their catalogue.
The Good Life, Midnight At the Movies (Americana award nominee) and the latest Harlem River Blues show Earle's characteristic charm, wit and rhythm to the forefront.
2009 saw him touring with Old Crow Medicine Show, The Felice Brothers and Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings as a member of The Big Surprise tour and he has been touring solidly through 2010 making fans all along the way. In 2011, he received the Americana Music Award in the Song of the Year category for his "Harlem River Blues," from the album of the same name.
His fourth release "Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now", released in 2012 was met with critical acclaim, it was listed at #37 on Rolling Stone's list of the top 50 albums of 2012, saying "The son of country-rock renegade Steve Earle has grown into a songwriter to rival his dad."
Earle died on August 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 38. His death was announced by his label on social media on August 23. The cause of death was not immediately announced, but Nashville police said they were investigating the death as a probable drug overdose. On December 1, 2020, Earle's family confirmed that he died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl-laced cocaine.
Harlem River Blues Reprise
Justin Townes Earle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The lyrics to Justin Townes Earle's song Harlem River Blues Reprise may appear morbid at first glance, but upon deeper analysis, they showcase the desperation and hopelessness of the singer. The repetition of the phrase "I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown" emphasizes the singer's desire to escape their current situation, possibly referencing suicidal thoughts. The mention of dirty water represents the filthiness of the world around the singer and the idea that their troubles will be washed away. The line "And I'm not gonna make a sound" highlights the singer's loneliness and lack of support, suggesting that they feel trapped and unheard.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of despair and resignation, but also a glimmer of hope through the act of giving up. Earle suggests that sometimes the way out of a difficult situation is to let go completely.
Line by Line Meaning
But I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
Despite the hardships and struggles I face in life, I am choosing to take a drastic step and end it all by jumping into the Harlem River.
Dirty water gonna cover me over
The dark and murky waters of the river will slowly envelop me, symbolizing my inner turmoil and pain.
And I'm not gonna make a sound
My decision to end my life is a personal one, and I will go through with it silently and without any outward expression.
Lord, I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown
In this moment of desperation, I am turning to a higher power for guidance and strength, but ultimately my decision to end my life is my own.
Dirty water gonna cover me over
The metaphorical weight of my problems and struggles will finally be lifted as I submerge myself in the river.
And I'm not gonna make a sound
I have made peace with my decision to end my life and am fully committed, regardless of any external influences or opinions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Justin Townes Earle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind