Row Your Boat
The Backyardigans & The Backyardigans Lyrics


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Row your boat, row your boat, row your boat, boat, boat
Row your boat, row your boat, row your boat, boat, boat

Row, row, row your boat, look how fast I ride
Gonna be the first to paddle to the other side!
Row, row row your boat, I'll go even faster
I'm so quick and smooth and slick, just call me kayak master!
Row your boat, row your boat, row your boat, row your boat
Can't afford to make a mistake, rowing on this freezing lake
'Cause if a make a little mistake, I'll hit the ice, my boat will break
So I row, row, row real slow, trying to keep afloat
Rowing kinda wobbly 'cause my antlers rock the boat





Race your boat, race your boat, race your boat, boat, boat
Race your boat, race your boat, race your boat, boat, boat, race!

Overall Meaning

The Backyardigans's song Row Your Boat is a fun and upbeat tune about rowing a boat across a lake. The opening lines, “Row your boat, row your boat, row your boat, boat, boat,” establish the central theme of the song. The repetition of “row your boat” creates a sense of rhythm and encourages the listener to join in. The use of the word “boat” repeatedly affirms the mode of transportation, and also creates a catchy hook that is easy to remember.


In the first verse, the singer wants to be the first to paddle to the other side of the lake and claims to be a “kayak master.” The lyrics, “Row, row, row your boat, look how fast I ride / Gonna be the first to paddle to the other side!” show an intense desire to win and create a sense of friendly competition amongst the group. The use of the phrase “look how fast I ride” is playful and adds a depth to the rhythm.


In the second verse, the singer is more cautious and focused on safety, as they navigate through the freezing lake. The lyrics, “Can't afford to make a mistake, rowing on this freezing lake / 'Cause if a make a little mistake, I'll hit the ice, my boat will break” express a sense of danger and the need to be careful. The use of the word “mistake” emphasizes the importance of precision and staying in control while rowing a boat. The final verse encourages everyone to race their boats with excitement and enthusiasm.


Line by Line Meaning

Row your boat, row your boat, row your boat, boat, boat
The song's main message of rowing a boat is emphasized through repetition.


Row, row, row your boat, look how fast I ride
The singer is confident in their rowing speed and wants to be the first to reach the other side.


Gonna be the first to paddle to the other side!
The singer is determined to win the race and cross the lake before anyone else does.


Row, row, row your boat, I'll go even faster
The artist is determined to increase their rowing speed and leave their competitors behind.


I'm so quick and smooth and slick, just call me kayak master!
The artist is expressing their confidence in their rowing skills and ability to win the race.


Can't afford to make a mistake, rowing on this freezing lake
The singer is acknowledging the danger of making a mistake while rowing, especially in a freezing lake.


'Cause if a make a little mistake, I'll hit the ice, my boat will break
The singer is describing the consequences of making a mistake while rowing in a dangerous, freezing lake.


So I row, row, row real slow, trying to keep afloat
The artist is prioritizing staying safe and afloat over winning the race by rowing slowly and cautiously.


Rowing kinda wobbly 'cause my antlers rock the boat
The artist is revealing an obstacle to their rowing, their antlers, which are causing the boat to wobble and possibly making it harder to row.


Race your boat, race your boat, race your boat, boat, boat, race!
The artist is encouraging everyone to compete in the race, emphasizing the fun and excitement of friendly competition.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DOUGLAS WIESELMAN, EVAN LURIE, PAUL SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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