About the song
Albert Hammond’s “Down by the River” is a poignant ballad that paints a vivid picture of environmental destruction through a personal lens. Released in 1972, the song’s message resonates as powerfully today as it did over five decades ago, serving as a timeless reminder of the fragility of our planet.
The song begins with a seemingly idyllic scene: Hammond and his lover embark on a camping trip, enjoying the tranquility of the riverbank. However, their idyllic getaway soon takes a dark turn. After a night of restless sleep, they discover the lifeless body of a fish and become concerned about their own well-being. A doctor’s warning—”only foolish people go down by the river”—underscores the dangers lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly pristine natural setting.
Hammond’s lyrics delve into the ecological consequences of human actions, painting a bleak portrait of a polluted riverbank. The once-vibrant ecosystem is now a barren wasteland, where the otter’s skull serves as a stark reminder of the destruction wrought by careless disregard for the environment. The imagery is haunting, evoking a sense of loss and despair for the natural world.
Beyond its environmental message, “Down by the River” is a beautifully crafted song, showcasing Hammond’s songwriting prowess. His melodic voice, combined with the evocative lyrics and the gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment, creates a timeless and emotionally resonant piece of music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.
“Down by the River” is more than just a catchy tune; it is a powerful statement about the importance of environmental stewardship. Hammond’s song serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to consider the consequences of their actions and to take steps to protect our planet for future generations.
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Lyrics
City life was gettin’ us down
So we spent the weekend out of town
Pitched the tent on the patch of ground
Down by the river
Lit a fire and drank some wine
You put your jeans on the top of mine
Said, come in the water’s fine
Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river
Said, come in the water’s fine
Down by the river
Didn’t feel too good all night
So we took a walk in the morning light
Came across the strangest sight
Down by the river
Silver fish lay on its side
It was washed up by the early tide
I wonder how it died
Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river
Silver fish lay on its side
Down by the river
The doctor put us both to bed
He dosed us up and he shook his head
“Only foolish people go, ” he said
Down by the river
“Why do willows weep?” said he
Because they’re dying gradually
From the waste, from the factories
Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river
“Why do willows weep?” said he
Down by the river
And in time, the river banks will die
The reeds will wilt, and the ducks won’t fly
There’ll be a tear in the otter’s eye
Down by the river
The banks will soon be black and dead
And where the otter raised his head
Will be a clean white stone instead
Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river
The banks will soon be black and dead
Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river
The banks will soon be black and dead
Down by the river