Lead singer Amy Helm came from Woodstock, NY, where she had performed in blues bands; bassist Byron Isaacs was living in Brooklyn; drummer Tony Leone came out of jazz; singer/guitarist Fiona McBain had moved to New York from
Sydney, Australia; keyboard player Glenn Patscha had played extensively in New Orleans; and guitarist Jimi Zhivago was a producer and multi-instrumentalist.
All were pursuing various solo and group projects, but they had come to know each other and interact at 9C, a bar located at the corner of 9th Street and Avenue C in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood.
(Description creds to MR)
Riverside
Ollabelle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna study more, no more
Gonna study more, no more
I'm gonna study more, no more
I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my guns and steel
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna study more, no more
Gonna study more, no more
I'm gonna study more, no more
I'm gonna study more, no more
Gonna study more, no more
I'm gonna study more, no more
I'm gonna study more
I'm gonna study more
I'm gonna study more
I'm gonna study more
I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
The lyrics of "Riverside" by Ollabelle are a reference to the traditional gospel song "Down by the Riverside." This song is often associated with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and it speaks to the idea of laying down one's burdens and committing to a life of peaceful resistance. The lyrics evoke the image of someone coming to the riverbank to release their weapons and study, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for laying down one's weapons and committing to a life of non-violence.
The repetition of the phrase "gonna study more, no more" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the singer has already done enough studying and learning about how to resist peacefully. They have reached a point where they are ready to put that knowledge into practice and commit to a life of non-violent resistance. The chorus of the song, "I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside," reinforces this idea of releasing one's worries and concerns, and finding a peaceful place to reflect and recharge.
The overall message of "Riverside" is one of hope and optimism, with the singer committing to a life of peaceful resistance and laying down their burden. The song encourages listeners to do the same, to release their own worries and concerns, and find a place of peace and reflection. With its roots in the gospel tradition and its connections to the Civil Rights Movement, "Riverside" is a powerful reminder of the power of non-violent resistance and the importance of finding a peaceful path forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna lay down my burden
I'm going to let go of my troubles and worries
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
In a peaceful and serene place
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
I'm going to give up my defenses and protection
I'm gonna study more, no more
I'm done with education and learning
Gonna study more, no more
I'm not going to continue to pursue knowledge
I'm gonna lay down my guns and steel
I'm going to let go of violence and aggression
I'm gonna study more
I'm going to dedicate myself to learning and improving
I'm gonna study more
I'm going to devote my time and energy to studying
I'm gonna study more
I'm committed to expanding my knowledge and understanding
I'm gonna study more
I'm going to make learning a top priority
I'm gonna lay down my burden
I'm going to release my worries and anxieties
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield
I'm giving up my need to be constantly on guard and protected
I'm gonna lay down my burden
I'm releasing my emotional and mental weight
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DEWEY BUNNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind