The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
Down By The Riverside
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
down by the riverside
down by the riverside
down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden
down by the riverside
down by the riverside
I ain't gonna study
study war no more
ain't study war no more
ain't study war no more
I'm gonna lay down my burdon
down by the riverside
The lyrics of "Down by the Riverside" speak about a desire to let go of the heavy burden of war and violence. The repetition of the phrase "down by the riverside" creates a sense of peacefulness and serenity. The singer is determined to lay down their burden and stop studying war, indicating a desire for a simpler and more harmonious existence. The phrase "ain't gonna study war no more" repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of this message.
The use of the word "burden" suggests that the singer has been carrying a heavy weight for a long time. They are seeking a release from this weight and recognize that the riverside is a place where they can find peace and solace. By choosing to lay down their burden, the singer is making a conscious decision to leave behind the violence and chaos of war and embrace a more peaceful existence.
Overall, the lyrics of "Down by the Riverside" are a powerful statement about the need for peace and the desire to escape the burdens of war and violence.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna lay my burden
I am going to release myself of the heavy weight I have been carrying
down by the riverside
I will take myself to a peaceful and calming environment
down by the riverside
I choose this location to be surrounded by nature and its calming effects
down by the riverside
This is where I can find solace and comfort
I'm gonna lay down my burden
I am committing myself to letting go of the burdens that have been weighing me down
down by the riverside
I recognize the importance of finding a peaceful place to release my burden
down by the riverside
This location represents a spiritual or emotional release
I ain't gonna study war no more
I refuse to be involved in any more conflict or violence
study war no more
I choose to instead focus on peace and nonviolent solutions
ain't study war no more
I am determined to distance myself from the destructive mindset of war
ain't study war no more
I reject the idea of participating in any more violence or aggression
I'm gonna lay down my burden
I recognize that I need to let go of my burden in order to move forward in peace
down by the riverside
I am confident that this peaceful environment will help me find clarity and purpose in my life
Writer(s): Judge Kennith Peterson, Mavis Staples
Contributed by Asher W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.