Born in Laurens, South Carolina, Davis became blind at a very young age. He took to the guitar and assumed a unique multi-voice style, playing not only ragtime and blues tunes, but also traditional and original tunes in four-part harmony. In the mid-1920s, he migrated to Durham, North Carolina, a major center for black culture at the time. While there, Davis collaborated with a number of other artists in the Piedmont blues scene including Blind Boy Fuller and Bull City Red. In 1935, a store manager with a reputation for supporting local artists introduced Davis (as well as Fuller and Red) to the American Record Company. The subsequent recording sessions marked the real beginning of Davis’ career. It was also during his time in Durham that Davis converted to Christianity; he would later become ordained as a Baptist minister. Following his conversion and especially his ordination, Davis began to express a preference for inspirational gospel music.
In the 1940s, the blues scene in Durham began to decline and Davis migrated to New York City. By the 1960s, he had become known as the “Harlem Street Singer” and also acquired a reputation as the person to see if you wanted to learn to play guitar. The folk revival of the 1960s re-invigorated Davis’ career, culminating in an performance at the Newport Folk Festival and the recording by Peter, Paul and Mary of “Samson & Delilah.” Also known as “If I Had My Way,” it was originally a Blind Willie Johnson recording that Davis had popularized.
Down By The River
Reverend Gary Davis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting for the good Lord to pass my way
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
Singing songs of joy on this lovely day
(Oh yeah)
Three singing birds told me
By sunrise he's always there in the morning
I heard about this little tale long time ago
But never had the faith to believe in my soul (yeah)
Now mother sent to me three little birds
Singing a son convincing me it was so
Now I'm on my way
Anyone come to see me this day
Tell them I'll be gone for the day
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
Waiting for the good Lord to pass my way
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
Singing songs of joy on this lovely day
(Oh yeah)
I heard about this little tale long time ago
But never had the faith to believe in my soul (yeah)
Now mother sent to me three little birds
Singing a son convincing me it was so
Now I'm on my way
Anyone come to see me this day
Tell them I'll be gone for the day
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
Waiting for the good Lord to pass my way
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
Singing songs of joy on this lovely day
(Oh yeah)
In "Down by the River," Reverend Gary Davis sings about waiting by the river and singing songs of joy while waiting for the good Lord to pass his way. He also refers to three singing birds that told him about the morning presence of the Lord. The lyrics suggest that the river is a place of spiritual significance, and Davis is waiting for a divine intervention to occur. The river symbolizes the continuous flow of life and the possibility of renewal.
The phrase "three singing birds" may refer to the Holy Trinity or the three virtues of faith, hope, and love. The birds tell Davis about the presence of the Lord, which he did not believe before but now accepts because of his newfound faith. The song reflects Davis's religious journey and his faith in the power of God to bring about change in his life.
The use of repetition and the gospel-style call-and-response structure in the song suggest that it is meant to be sung in a church or religious gathering. The lyrics highlight the importance of faith, hope, and joy in the face of adversity, and the river serves as a metaphor for the journey of life and the belief in a higher power that guides individuals on their path.
Line by Line Meaning
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
I will be at the river
Waiting for the good Lord to pass my way
Waiting for God to appear to me
(Oh yeah) I'll be down by the river
I will be at the river
Singing songs of joy on this lovely day
Celebrating and singing happily on this beautiful day
(Oh yeah)
Three singing birds told me
Three birds sang to me
By sunrise he's always there in the morning
He always appears in the morning at sunrise
Praying And blessing the day
Praying and giving blessings to the new day
I heard about this little tale long time ago
I heard a story a long time ago
But never had the faith to believe in my soul (yeah)
I didn't believe it because I lacked faith
Now mother sent to me three little birds
My mother sent me three birds
Singing a son convincing me it was so
They sang a song that convinced me it was true
Now I'm on my way
Now I am going there
Anyone come to see me this day
Anyone who comes to see me today
Tell them I'll be gone for the day
Tell them I won't be here today
(Oh yeah)
I'll be down by the river
I will be at the river
Waiting for the good Lord to pass my way
Waiting for God to appear to me
(Oh yeah)
I'll be down by the river
I will be at the river
Singing songs of joy on this lovely day
Celebrating and singing happily on this beautiful day
(Oh yeah)
Writer(s): Reverend Gary Davis
Contributed by Reagan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.