Black Water
Black Water

The Doobie Brothers - Black Water Lyrics

Drifting down the mighty Mississippi, "Black Water" evokes a soulful journey steeped in Southern charm and carefree abandon. The song serves as an ode to the simple pleasures of river life, embracing the rhythm of nature and the allure of Dixieland jazz. Its… Read more

Rock
Nov 30, 1995
224
Black Water Music Video

Black Water Lyrics

Well, I built me a raft and she's ready for floatin'
Ol' Mississippi, she's callin' my name
Catfish are jumpin', that paddle wheel thumpin'
Black water keeps rollin' on past just the same

Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?

Yeah, keep on shinin' your light
Gonna make everything
Pretty mama, gonna make everything all right
And I ain't got no worries
'Cause I ain't in no hurry at all

Well, if it rains, I don't care
Don't make no difference to me
Just take that streetcar that's goin' uptown
Yeah, I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland and dance a honky-tonk
And I'll be buyin' ev'rybody drinks all 'roun'

Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin'
Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?

Keep on shinin' your light
Gonna make everything, everything
Gonna make everything all right
And I ain't got no worries
'Cause I ain't in no hurry at all

I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
(By the hand) hand (take me by the hand) pretty mama
Gonna dance with your daddy all night long
I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with your daddy night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I'd like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)

Writer(s): Patrick Simmons
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Black Water?

Drifting down the mighty Mississippi, "Black Water" evokes a soulful journey steeped in Southern charm and carefree abandon. The song serves as an ode to the simple pleasures of river life, embracing the rhythm of nature and the allure of Dixieland jazz. Its chorus is a heartfelt request to the moonlit night, seeking continuous guidance and light on life's ever-flowing path. Capturing a spirit of ease and contentment, it reminds us to let go of our worries and bask in the moment, whether that's floating on a raft or dancing through the night. This tune isn't just music; it's an invitation to slow down and groove with the gentle currents of existence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who wrote the song 'Black Water' and who performed it?

    'Black Water' was written by Patrick Simmons, a member of The Doobie Brothers. The song was performed by The Doobie Brothers, with Simmons also handling the lead vocals.

  2. What inspired the lyrics of 'Black Water'?

    The lyrics of 'Black Water' were inspired by Patrick Simmons's childhood imaginings of the South from reading Mark Twain's novels 'Huckleberry Finn' and 'Tom Sawyer'. These books often depict adventures along the Mississippi River, which is reflected in the song's references to this iconic river.

  3. When did 'Black Water' reach number 1 on the charts?

    'Black Water' reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 15, 1975. It was initially released as a B-side to another song but gained popularity through radio play, particularly starting in Roanoke, Virginia.

  4. How did 'Black Water' become a hit despite being a B-side?

    'Black Water' became a hit largely due to grassroots support from radio stations. It began when a station in Roanoke, Virginia started playing it heavily. The popularity spread as other stations followed suit, eventually leading Warner Bros. to re-release it as an A-side single.

  5. What unique musical elements are featured in 'Black Water'?

    'Black Water' is notable for its melodic a cappella section and use of viola played by Ilene Novog. These elements contribute to its distinctive sound that blends rock with influences of Dixieland music, reflecting the cultural vibe of New Orleans where part of it was written.

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