Reg Owen (3 February 1921 – 23 May 1978) was an English conductor and arran… Read Full Bio ↴Reg Owen (3 February 1921 – 23 May 1978) was an English conductor and arranger.

Owen was born George Owen Smith in Hackney, London, and began playing the saxophone at the age of 15. He played in local groups such as Teddy Joyce's Juveniles and the Royal Kiltie Juniors, before founding his own ensemble whilst still in his teens. He studied with Benny Glassman and then attended the Royal College of Music. During World War II he played in the Bomber Command Band of the RAF, then arranged for Ted Heath and Cyril Stapleton after 1945. In 1954, he had his name legally changed to Reginald Owen. He published a book, the Reg Owen Arranging Method, in 1956, and began writing film scores in 1957, including the scores to Date with Disaster (1957), Payroll (1961) and Very Important Person (1961). In 1959, he even scored a Top 40 hit in the U.S. with "Manhattan Spiritual", which peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The same track reached #20 in the UK Singles Chart in March 1959. A further track, "Obsession", peaked at #43 in the UK in October 1960.

In 1961 Owen moved to Brussels, working as a composer, conductor, and arranger throughout continental Europe. He moved to Spain in the 1970s, and died at the Clinica Limonar in Málaga, on 23 May 1978 at the age of 57.

Down by the Riverside
Reg Owen and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I met my little bright-eyed doll (way down) down by the riverside
(Way down) Down by the riverside, (way down) down by the riverside
I met my little bright-eyed doll (way down) down by the riverside
Down by the riverside. (I worked my courage up and)
Asked her for a little kiss (way down) down by the riverside
(Way down) Down by the riverside, (way down) down by the riverside
I asked for a little kiss (way down) down by the riverside
Down by the riverside

She said have patience little man I'm sure you'll understand
I hardly know your name
I said if I could have my way maybe some sweet day
My name and yours will be the same (she smiled at me and I could see)
I met my little bright-eyed doll (way down) down by the riverside
(Way down) Down by the riverside, (way down) down by the riverside
I met my little bright-eyed doll (way down) down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
She said have patience little man I'm sure you'll understand
I hardly know your name
I said if I could have my way maybe some sweet day
My name and yours will be the same (she smiled at me and I could see)
I met my little bright-eyed doll (way down) down by the riverside
(Way down) Down by the riverside, (way down) down by the riverside

I met my little bright-eyed doll (way down) down by the riverside
Down by the riverside

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Down By The Riverside" by Reg Owen & His Orchestra depict a romantic encounter between the singer and his love interest. The singer meets his "little bright-eyed doll" down by the riverside and musters up the courage to ask her for a kiss. However, she hesitates and tells him to be patient and that she hardly knows his name. Despite this, the singer expresses his hope for a future together, where their names will be the same. The song ends with the reaffirmation of their meeting and the anticipation of what lies ahead.

The lyrics portray a sense of innocence and young love, with the singer expressing his infatuation and hopefulness for a deeper connection with the woman he has encountered. They also highlight the importance of patience and understanding in building a meaningful relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

(Way down) Down by the riverside, (way down) down by the riverside
In a hidden, secluded place near the river, I encountered my precious, wide-eyed companion.

(I worked my courage up and) Asked her for a little kiss (way down) down by the riverside
Summoning my bravery, I requested a small manifestation of affection from her in the serene ambiance of the river's edge.

She said have patience little man I'm sure you'll understand I hardly know your name
She recommended that I exhibit patience, as our acquaintance was still in its nascent stage and she had limited knowledge of my identity.

I said if I could have my way maybe some sweet day My name and yours will be the same (she smiled at me and I could see)
I expressed a desire for a future where our union transcended mere names, envisioning a moment when our identities would merge into one. She displayed a warm smile in response, giving me a glimpse of her reciprocated feelings.

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: - DP, MICHELE PATRUNO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS