His father, a farmer, taught him to play basic blues harp as a youth. He sustained injuries to his eyes at a young age which eventually prevented him from doing farm work himself. In order to earn a living Sonny was now forced to play music. He began playing in Shelby, North Carolina. After his father died he began playing with Piedmont-style guitarist Blind Boy Fuller. When Fuller died, he established a long-standing musical relationship with Brownie McGhee, and the pair recorded numerous tracks together. The duo became well-known, even among white audiences, as they joined the growing folk movement of the 1950s and '60s. This included collaborations with Woody Guthrie and Moses Asch, producing Folkways Records (now Smithsonian/Folkways) classic recordings.
In 1938 Sonny Terry was invited to play at Carnegie Hall for the first From Spirituals To Swing concert and later that year he recorded for the Library of Congress. In 1940 Sonny Terry recorded his first commercial sides.
Despite their fame as "pure" folk artists, in the 1940s, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee fronted a jump band combo with honking saxophone that was variously called Brownie McGhee and his Jook House Rockers or Sonny Terry and his Buckshot Five.
Terry was also in the 1947 original cast of the Broadway musical comedy Finian's Rainbow.
Down By The Riverside
Sonny Terry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside,
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (A-ha) down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
The song "Down By the Riverside" by Sonny Terry is a spiritual folk song that is traditionally sung in gospel churches. The song is about laying down one's burdens and studying war no more. The singer in the song is tired of the constant fighting and violence in the world, and decides to turn towards a more peaceful way of living. The singer mentions that they will lay down their burdens and sword and shield, indicating that they will no longer carry the weight of their past and will let go of the tools of violence. The singer also mentions putting on a long white robe, a symbol of purity and innocence, and going down by the riverside. This symbolizes a baptism or rebirth, whereby the singer is setting out on a new path towards a more peaceful and harmonious way of living.
The repetitive nature of the lyrics in "Down By the Riverside" emphasizes the idea that the singer is committed to this new way of living. They say multiple times that they will no longer study war, indicating a firm commitment to peace. The verses also repeat the phrase "down by the riverside," creating a sense of continuity and a reminder of where the singer is headed. The use of repetition makes the song feel like a call and response, where other voices could chime in and join the chorus. The song is a testament to the human capacity for change, and to the desire for peace that can motivate us to make a new start.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside
I will no longer carry my burdens and will leave them at the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I will not engage in any kind of conflict or violence again
I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more
I repeat my decision to not participate in any war or violence
Well, I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?) down by the riverside (Oh)
I will change into a white robe and go to the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?) down by the riverside
I will relinquish my weapons and protective gear at the riverside
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Hipgnosis Songs Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, TERRY RENDALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Philo68
One of the richest, warmest voices, with guitar and harp off the scale! I love these blokes.
@alexmcculloch2354
One of the greatest duos in the history of music!...Sonny whoopin and a hollerin, Brownie smooth as silk. Two masters of their instruments, two great voices both individually and in harmony all forged together to create a collection of great songs from two men born with the blues
@jamesa.rodriguez8598
I learned to play the harmonica listening to this. Thanks Sonny n Brownie. And most of all. Thank You, Lord!
@davebeach2343
First heard this in 1976 as a freshman at college. Vietnam war still stirred up the younger people. Made this memorable to this day. Beautiful!
@anje2150
I bought one of their albums in the 60's and this song was on it. I was blown away! Still sounds just as good!
@michaelj7684
Always feels like home when I'm listening to this song ♥️, if that makes sense
@anitamelon3559
I can not get over the melody he can pull off on that harp, this is awesome and I am an avid fan of theirs, thanks bunches Travelerintothe blue
@jfjeter3
My favorite version of this classic song
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@marttisaarelma
Thanks to put this in youtube Sonny Terry is one of my favorite harpist since decades, mara from the moon = Finland
@gaggle57
I learned to play guitar by jamming along to one of my dad's Sonny & Terry albums .