Sydney Devine (born Cleland, Lanarkshire 1940 - 13th F… Read Full Bio ↴Sydney devine
Sydney Devine (born Cleland, Lanarkshire 1940 - 13th February 2021) was a Scot and' it's very own rhinestone cowboy, a singer whose career began with a television appearance in 1953 at the age of thirteen, developed during eight years touring with the White Heather Group. When visiting Hawaii with Andy Stewart's band, he heard the Hawaiian singer Don Ho perform Tiny Bubbles; this became Devine's signature tune and he went on to sell fifteen million albums. His record sales were revived in December 2005 when a frothy drink making machine was advertised on television using Don Ho's version of Tiny Bubbles. YUP
He is sometimes referred to as 'Steak and Kidney',
Chattahoochie
Sydney Devine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It gets hotter than a Hoochie-Koochie
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
Got a little crazy but we never got caught
Down by the river on a Friday night
A fer Miller cans in the pale moonlight
Talkin' 'bout cars and dreamin' 'bout womenNever had a plan, just alivin' for the minute
Chorus
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot 'bout living and a little 'bout love
WelI I fogged up the window in my ole chevy
I was willin' but she wasn't ready
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
I dropped her off early but I didn't go home
Down by the river on a Friday night
A few Miller cans in the pale moonlight
Talkin' 'bout cars and dreamin' 'bout women
Never had a plan, just alivin' for the minute
Chorus
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot 'bout living and a little 'bout love
Instrumental
It gets hotter than a Hoochie-Koochie
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
Got a little crazy but we never got caught
Instrumental
Well I fogged up the window in my ole chevy
I was willin' but she wasn't ready
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
I dropped her off early but I didn't go home
Down by the river on a Friday night
A few Miller cans in the pale moonlight
Talkin' 'bout cars and dreamin' 'bout women
Never had a plan, just alivin' for the minute
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot 'bout living and a little 'bout love
A lot 'bout living and a little 'bout love
In Sydney Devine's song "Chattahoochie," the lyrics depict a nostalgic and carefree narrative of youthful adventures and escapades in a southern setting. The Chattahoochee River serves as the backdrop for these memories, symbolizing a place where the singer experienced moments of exhilaration and self-discovery. The song conveys a sense of freedom and camaraderie among friends, as they engage in impulsive and spirited activities without worrying about consequences.
The imagery of the Georgia asphalt and laying rubber on the road captures the reckless yet exhilarating thrill of speeding through life with abandon. The mention of getting "hotter than a Hoochie-Koochie" adds a playful and slightly risque element to the lyrics, suggesting a carefree attitude towards enjoying the moment without inhibition. Despite engaging in wild antics, the singer acknowledges the importance of not getting caught, hinting at a sense of responsibility hidden beneath the surface of their wild escapades.
The lyrics also touch on themes of young love and missed opportunities, as the singer recalls a romantic encounter in their old Chevy that didn't quite go as planned. Settling for a burger and a snow cone may symbolize settling for less than desired outcomes in life, yet not losing hope or giving up on future possibilities. The recurring motif of Friday nights by the river with beer cans under the moonlight portrays a sense of simplicity and contentment in the small pleasures of life, such as chatting about dreams and aspirations.
The chorus of the song reflects on the lessons learned from these experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-discovery. Swimming in the muddy waters of the Chattahoochee becomes a metaphor for navigating the challenges of life and learning from them, while also gaining insights into one's identity and capacity for love. Overall, "Chattahoochie" captures the bittersweet essence of youth, with its blend of wild abandon, hopeful dreams, and the wisdom gained from living in the moment and embracing life's ups and downs.
Line by Line Meaning
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
In a remote area along the Chattahoochee River, where memories are forged amidst nature.
It gets hotter than a Hoochie-Koochie
The summer heat in this place is intense, evoking a wild, carefree spirit.
We laid rubber on the Georgia asphalt
We drove fast and recklessly on the roads, leaving skid marks as evidence of our youthful exuberance.
Got a little crazy but we never got caught
We engaged in reckless behavior, feeling invincible as we escaped any consequences.
Down by the river on a Friday night
Spending weekends by the riverbank, a popular spot for socializing and relaxing.
A fer Miller cans in the pale moonlight
With a few beer cans in hand, we enjoyed the serene ambiance illuminated by the moon.
Talkin' 'bout cars and dreamin' 'bout women
Engaging in conversations about our passions and aspirations, particularly about vehicles and romance.
Never had a plan, just alivin' for the minute
Living spontaneously without a set agenda, savoring fleeting moments as they come.
Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me
I was unaware of the deep personal significance this river and its experiences would have in my life.
But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
Through the challenges faced, I gained skills and self-awareness, shaping my identity.
A lot 'bout living and a little 'bout love
I gained valuable lessons about life’s adventures, with only a few experiences in romance.
Well I fogged up the window in my ole chevy
In my old Chevy, I enjoyed intimate moments that obscured the view from the outside.
I was willin' but she wasn't ready
I was eager for a deeper connection, but she wasn't prepared for it yet.
So I settled for a burger and a grape snow cone
Instead of a romantic encounter, I opted for a simple meal and a refreshing treat.
I dropped her off early but I didn't go home
After our time together, I chose to wander instead of returning home immediately.
A few Miller cans in the pale moonlight
Again enjoying beers on a serene night, a ritual that embodies camaraderie.
Talkin' 'bout cars and dreamin' 'bout women
Once more engaging in friendly talks about our interests and romantic desires.
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee
Reflecting once more on those cherished times in that familiar, special place.
A lot 'bout living and a little 'bout love
Concluding the journey with a reminder of the life experiences gained, and the minimal romantic encounters.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jackson, McBride
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind