The Dock Of The Bay
Sam Lyrics


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Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
Watching the ships roll in
Then I watch 'em roll away again
I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the Frisco Bay
'Cause I've had nothing to live for
And looks like nothing's gonna come my way
Yeah I'm a-sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watchin' the tide roll away
Sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

Looks like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
Well I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same

Sittin' here restin' my bones
This loneliness won't leave me alone
Two thousand miles I roamed
To make this Key West dock my home
Now I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watchin' the tide roll away
Sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

Sitting on the dock of the bay
Watchin' the tide roll away dear

Sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

On this dock watchin' that Key West sunset





Wishin' I had you here by my side

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Dock of the Bay" by Sam & Dave describe someone who is feeling lost and aimless. The person is sitting on the dock, taking in the scenery and watching the ships come and go. He left his home in Georgia and came to the Frisco Bay because he felt he had nothing to live for, and he hoped that a change of scenery might make a difference. However, he soon realizes that nothing has changed, and he is still feeling the same sense of emptiness and lack of purpose.


Despite the beauty of his surroundings, the man feels lonely and isolated, as if he's the only one in the world who feels this way. He can't seem to find a way to make a meaningful connection with anyone, and he's resigned to sitting on the dock, wasting time until something happens to change his life. He's surrounded by people who are going about their business, but he can't seem to connect with any of them.


The song is a reflection of the universal human experience of feeling lost and disconnected, and it speaks to the longing we all have for a sense of purpose and belonging. It's a reminder that sometimes we need to take a step back and reflect on what's really important in life, and that even in the midst of loneliness and despair, there is still beauty and meaning to be found.


Line by Line Meaning

Sittin' in the mornin' sun
Sitting in the bright morning sunshine.


I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
I will continue sitting here even as the evening comes.


Watching the ships roll in
Watching as the ships arrive at the dock.


Then I watch 'em roll away again
Watching the ships leave the dock again.


I left my home in Georgia
I left my home in Georgia to come to this dock.


Headed for the Frisco Bay
I came here to seek a new life at Frisco Bay.


'Cause I've had nothing to live for
I had no reason to continue living in Georgia.


And looks like nothing's gonna come my way
It seems as if nothing is going to change or go my way.


Yeah I'm a-sittin' on the dock of the bay
I am currently sitting on the dock of the bay.


Watchin' the tide roll away
Observing the ocean tide as it drifts away from the shore.


Sittin' on the dock of the bay
Continuing to sit on the dock of the bay.


Wastin' time
Spending time idly without any particular purpose.


Looks like nothing's gonna change
It doesn't appear that any progress or growth will happen.


Everything still remains the same
Things are static and haven't changed much.


Well I can't do what ten people tell me to do
I cannot follow the directions or desires of ten individuals.


So I guess I'll remain the same
Therefore, I will continue on with my current ways and beliefs.


Sittin' here restin' my bones
Sitting here relaxing and taking a break.


This loneliness won't leave me alone
The feeling of being alone persists and doesn't go away.


Two thousand miles I roamed
I traveled two thousand miles to get here.


To make this Key West dock my home
To establish this Key West dock as my new residence.


Now I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Currently still sitting on the dock of the bay.


Watchin' the tide roll away
Observing the receding water from the shore.


Sittin' on the dock of the bay
Still lingering on the dock of the bay.


Wastin' time
Engaging in frivolous and time-consuming behavior with no objective purpose.


Sitting on the dock of the bay
Remaining seated on the dock of the bay.


Watchin' the tide roll away dear
Watching the receding waters of the ocean.


Sittin' on the dock of the bay
Continuing my inactivity on the dock of the bay.


Wastin' time
Passing the time in a manner that is not productive.


On this dock watchin' that Key West sunset
On this dock observing the sunset over Key West.


Wishin' I had you here by my side
Wishing that a particular individual was present with me at this moment.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steve Cropper, Otis Redding

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@classicalmusic1175

This song was finished up in the studio just 3 days before Redding was killed in a plane crash. What a parting gift from the king of soul.

@timtime9167

That's why the last verse is whistling he was supposed to come back and add a verse.

@beaconlight4720

Overrated

@timtime9167

@@beaconlight4720 that's your perspective.

@TF58582

Dudes a legend👏🏼

@SassaFrass28

Yes - a parting gift from Otis after his shocking death - so melancholy yet so much strength & determination despite all

9 More Replies...

@terryprice5720

It was my junior year in college. I had just signed on the dotted line to commit myself to Navy flight school and six years of active duty, right at the height of the Vietnam war. I signed the contract with the Navy recruiter while in the student center at college. After we shook hands, I walked away and sat down at a table alone. Now, I have to go home and tell my parents what I have done. This song came on the jukebox. It was September 14, 1968

@amberfillmore3517

Thank you for your service

@tawneeens436

Terry Price Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

@leebaker2588

Welcome home, Terry.

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