Down By The Riverside
Perkasie Lyrics


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I've seen boys come round my way
What's so different about today
"Girl I'm knock, knock, knockin' down your door"
If you're a man
"And I try to be"
You'd take a punch
"I'd give all my teeth
Just a small price to pay for your sweet love
I'd bear fiery death if that's enough"

Oh my love are you leading me on
Depends on where you wanna go
The rising sun says a new day has come
Does my love lie down by the riverside

Hush now boy no need to speak
You can't hide your eyes for me
"No I'm gawking I ain't got no time for shame"
I play these games
"It won't bother me"
I call you names
"It won't bother me
I'll give you all my love"
That don't bother me at all
Talk is cheap so what's it gonna be

Oh my love are you leading me on
Depends on where you wanna go
The rising sun says a new day has come
Does my love lie down by the riverside

The rising sun says a new day has come
Does my love lie down by the riverside

I am your ruined city
I am the wheel that drives you home
Into no right direction
There's only you when you're alone
"Girl might you spare your conscience
A little bit for me my love
There is no right direction
There's only you when you're alone"
I am your ruined city
I am the wheel that drives you home
I am your ruined city
I am the wheel that drives you home
I am your ruined city
I am the wheel that drives you home




I am your ruined city
I am the wheel that drives you home

Overall Meaning

The song "Down By the Riverside" by Perkasie addresses themes of love, self-discovery, and temptation. The first verse explores a man's persistent pursuit of a woman, despite her hesitation. The woman questions the man's true intentions, wondering if he is leading her on. The man pleads that he is serious and willing to do anything for her, demonstrating his devotion and desire for her love.


The chorus plays with the metaphor of lying down by the riverside, which could represent a peaceful moment of reflection or a moment of surrender to temptation. The rising sun symbolizes the arrival of a new day and new opportunities, suggesting that the woman has a choice to make about where she wants to go and who she wants to be with.


The second verse reveals the man's playful and unconventional approach to love. He encourages the woman to loosen up and let go of shame or guilt, as talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. The repeated refrain of "I am your ruined city, I am the wheel that drives you home" suggests that the man is a flawed but captivating figure, who draws the woman into an unpredictable and possibly dangerous journey of self-discovery.


Overall, the song captures the push and pull dynamics of romantic relationships, the fear of vulnerability, and the desire for connection.


Line by Line Meaning

I've seen boys come round my way
I have had men express interest in me before


What's so different about today
Why is today any different from those other times


"Girl I'm knock, knock, knockin' down your door"
I am persistently pursuing you and won't give up


If you're a man
If you are a true man


"And I try to be"
And I am trying my best to be


You'd take a punch
You would be willing to get hit


"I'd give all my teeth"
I would sacrifice anything, even my teeth


Just a small price to pay for your sweet love
Losing my teeth would be worth it if it means being with you


"I'd bear fiery death if that's enough"
I would endure even the worst situation if it means being with you


Oh my love are you leading me on
Do you have genuine feelings for me or are you misleading me


Depends on where you wanna go
It depends on what you truly want in this relationship


The rising sun says a new day has come
A new day is beginning and anything is possible


Does my love lie down by the riverside
Is our love sincere and pure


Hush now boy no need to speak
You don't need to say anything right now


You can't hide your eyes for me
I can tell what you are really feeling by looking into your eyes


"No I'm gawking I ain't got no time for shame"
I am not ashamed to admit that I find you attractive


I play these games
I like to flirt and play around in relationships


"It won't bother me"
I am not easily affected by these games


I call you names
I tease you and give you nicknames


"It won't bother me
These names don't affect my genuine feelings for you


I'll give you all my love
I am willing to give you everything I have emotionally


That don't bother me at all
I am not concerned with giving so much of myself to you


Talk is cheap so what's it gonna be
Words are meaningless unless they are backed up by actions


I am your ruined city
I am the result of past mistakes and hurt


I am the wheel that drives you home
I am the one who can guide you back to a place of comfort and safety


Into no right direction
We are headed in the wrong direction


There's only you when you're alone
When it comes down to it, you are the only one I truly want


"Girl might you spare your conscience
Could you maybe consider my feelings before making a decision


A little bit for me my love
Show a little bit of sympathy for me, my darling


I am your ruined city
I am the broken result of past pain


I am the wheel that drives you home
I can guide you back to a place of comfort and safety


I am your ruined city
I am the broken result of past pain


I am the wheel that drives you home
I can guide you back to a place of comfort and safety


I am your ruined city
I am the broken result of past pain


I am the wheel that drives you home
I can guide you back to a place of comfort and safety


I am your ruined city
I am the broken result of past pain


I am the wheel that drives you home
I can guide you back to a place of comfort and safety




Writer(s): Kate Foust

Contributed by Riley C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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