Called the 'Dutch Everly Brothers', The Blue Diamonds covered many Everly Brothers songs, but became famous in 1960 with their version of "Ramona", a song originally written for the 1928 film, Ramona. The song was written for promotional appearances with Dolores del Río (star of the film) but not featured in the film itself. The Blue Diamonds up-tempo version of it reached the American Billboard Hot 100 at number 72 in 1960. It sold over 250,000 copies in the Netherlands (the first record to ever do so) and over one million copies in Germany by 1961.
Although their last hit was in 1971, they continued to perform together up until Ruud de Wolff died at the end of year 2000. Riem de Wolff continued to perform and release albums. He died in September 2017.
Down By the Riverside
The Blue Diamonds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Well I met my little brown-eyed gal
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Well I asked her for a little kiss
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Well I asked her for a little kiss
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I said have patience little man
But I'm sure you'll understand
I hardly know your name
You said if I can have my way
Maybe some sweet day
Your name and my will be the same
Well I wed that little brown-eyed gal
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Well I wed that little brown-eyed gal
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
The Blue Diamonds' song "Down By the Riverside" is a love story that begins with the encounter between the singer and his little brown-eyed gal. The riverside setting of the song serves as a symbol of the lovers' meeting place, where they first ask for a little kiss, and later, where they get wed. However, the girl asks for patience and time to get to know the singer better. She suggests that their names might be the same some sweet day, implying that the singer will have to prove himself worthy of her love and commitment.
The song reflects the optimism and innocence of early rock and roll, where love and romance were often the main themes. The upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make it an enjoyable tune, perfect for dancing and singing along. The Blue Diamonds' version of the song features their distinctive vocal harmonies, which add to the charm of the song and make it memorable.
Overall, "Down By the Riverside" is a simple yet effective love story that captures the essence of early rock and roll's themes and style.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I met my little brown-eyed gal
I saw my girlfriend with brown eyes
Down by the riverside
Next to the river
Down by the riverside
Beside the water body
Down by the riverside
Close to the bank of the river
Well I met my little brown-eyed gal
I found my girlfriend with brown eyes
Down by the riverside
Alongside the river
Down by the riverside
By the flowing stream
Well I asked her for a little kiss
I requested for a small kiss
Down by the riverside
Next to the river
Down by the riverside
Beside the water body
Down by the riverside
Close to the bank of the river
Well I asked her for a little kiss
I inquired for a small kiss
Down by the riverside
Alongside the river
I said have patience little man
I said, be patient young man
But I'm sure you'll understand
But, I am certain you will comprehend
I hardly know your name
I barely know your moniker
You said if I can have my way
You uttered that if I could have my wish
Maybe some sweet day
Perhaps someday
Your name and my will be the same
Our names will become the same
Well I wed that little brown-eyed gal
I married that girlfriend with brown eyes
Down by the riverside
Next to the river
Down by the riverside
Beside the water body
Down by the riverside
Close to the bank of the river
Well I wed that little brown-eyed gal
I tied the knot with that girlfriend with brown eyes
Down by the riverside
Alongside the river
Contributed by Leah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.