The musicologist Robert "Mack" McCormick opined that Hopkins is "the embodiment of the jazz-and-poetry spirit, representing its ancient form in the single creator whose words and music are one act".
Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas, and as a child was immersed in the sounds of the blues. He developed a deep appreciation for this music at the age of 8, when he met Blind Lemon Jefferson at a church picnic in Buffalo, Texas. That day, Hopkins felt the blues was "in him".[citation needed] He went on to learn from his older (distant) cousin, the country blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander. (Hopkins had another cousin, the Texas electric blues guitarist Frankie Lee Sims, with whom he later recorded.) Hopkins began accompanying Jefferson on guitar at informal church gatherings. Jefferson reputedly never let anyone play with him except young Hopkins, and Hopkins learned much from Jefferson at these gatherings.
Hopkins's style was born from spending many hours playing informally without a backing band. His distinctive fingerstyle technique often included playing, in effect, bass, rhythm, lead, and percussion at the same time. He played both "alternating" and "monotonic" bass styles incorporating imaginative, often chromatic turnarounds and single-note lead lines. Tapping or slapping the body of his guitar added rhythmic accompaniment.
Much of Hopkins's music follows the standard 12-bar blues template, but his phrasing was free and loose. Many of his songs were in the talking blues style, but he was a powerful and confident singer.[citation needed] Lyrically, his songs expressed the problems of life in the segregated South, bad luck in love and other subjects common in the blues idiom. He dealt with these subjects with humor and good nature. Many of his songs are filled with double entendres, and he was known for his humorous introductions to songs.
Hopkins died of esophageal cancer in Houston on January 30, 1982, at the age of 69. His obituary in the New York Times described him as "one of the great country blues singers and perhaps the greatest single influence on rock guitar players.".
Down By The Riverside
Lightnin' Hopkins 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 lyrics of "Down by the Riverside" by Lightnin' Hopkins are symbolic of the artist's desire to renounce war and violence and focus on peace and love. The repeated refrain of "I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside" signifies that the artist is ready to put down his weapons and forget about war. The line "I ain't a gonna study war no more" further reiterates his decision to not be a part of violent conflicts anymore.
The second stanza of the song speaks of wearing a long white robe down by the riverside. This could be a reference to baptism or a religious ceremony that signifies purity and peace. The artist wants to be cleansed of all the sins and guilt that he may have accumulated through his involvement in war. The final stanza talks about laying down his sword and shield. The sword signifies a weapon, and the shield indicates protection. The artist wants to give up both these symbols of violence and aggression and embrace a peaceful way of life.
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 free myself from the heavy burden of war and violence, and find peace and liberation by the soothing 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 have decided not to engage in the destructive cycle of war, and I am determined to pursue knowledge and wisdom that can bring true change and progress
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)
I am going to dress myself in the symbol of purity and spirituality, and stand by the riverside to connect with the divine and the natural
Well, I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside
I am going to abandon the tools of violence and aggression, and embrace the tranquility and serenity of the riverside
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TERRY RENDALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind