Take Me to the River

Al Green

About Take Me to the River

"Take Me to the River" is a 1974 song written by singer Al Green and guitarist Mabon "Teenie" Hodges. Hit versions were recorded by both Syl Johnson and Talking Heads. In 2004, Al Green's original version was ranked number 117 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.


Year:
1974
3:45
3,331 
#12

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I don't know why I love you like I do
After all these changes that you put me through
You stole my money and my cigarettes
And I haven't seen hide nor hair of you yet

I wanna know
Won't you tell me
Am I in love to stay?
Hey hey
Take me to the river
And wash me down
Won't you cleanse my soul
Put my feet on the ground

I don't know why she treated me so bad
After all the things that we could have had
Love is a notion that I can't forget
My sweet sixteen I will never regret

I wanna know
Won't you tell me
Am I in love to stay?
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Hold me, love me, please me, tease me
Till I can't, till I can't take no more
Take me to the river

I don't know why I love you like I do
After all the things that you put me through
The sixteen candles burning on my wall
Turning me into the biggest fool of them all

I wanna know
Oh won't you tell me
Am I in love to stay?

I wanna know
Take me to the river
I wanna know
I want you to dip me in the water
I wanna know
Won't you wash me in the water
Wash me in the water
Wash me in the water
Won't you wash me in the water
Feeling good

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Al Green

Albert Greene (born April 13, 1946), better known as Al Green or Reverend Al Green, is an American gospel and soul music singer. He reached the peak of his popularity in the 1970s, with hit singles such as "You Oughta Be With Me", "I'm Still In Love With You", "Love and Happiness", and "Let's Stay Together". In 2005, Rolling Stone named him No. 66 in their list of the '100 Greatest Artists of All Time'. The nomination stated that "people are born to do certain things, and Al was born to make us smile." The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Green in 1995, referring to him as "one of the most gifted purveyors of soul music." Green has sold more than 20 million records. more »

7 fans

Written by: Al Green, Mabon Lewis Hodges

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Origin
"Take Me to the River" is a song written by singer Al Green and his guitarist Mabon "Teenie" Hodges. Both of them are also the original performers of the song.
Al Green's Version
Al Green's version of "Take Me to the River" was recorded in 1974. - It was released on his eighth studio album "Al Green Explores Your Mind." - Despite being one of Green's most popular tracks, it surprisingly never graced the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. - The song is acknowledged for its Southern Soul innovations and contributed to the "Memphis sound" movement.
Talking Heads' Version
The new wave band, Talking Heads, covered "Take Me to the River" in 1978. - Their version adopted a more funky and upbeat style, compared to Al Green's soulful original. - Their version of the song was a hit and peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the band's first top 30 hit. - The song featured on their second studio album "More Songs About Buildings and Food."
Impact and Recognition
Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists from different genres, highlighting its widespread appeal and influence. - This track was rated number 117 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. - In 1999, BMI named the song as one of the Top 100 Songs of the Century. - In 2004, "Take Me to the River" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
In Popular Culture
The song was referenced in the title of a 2008 documentary about soul music, called "Take Me to the River: The Soul of Memphis." - Annie Lennox and Steven Tyler have also performed covers of "Take Me to the River."
Lyrics Interpretation
While Green's version is considered a plea to God, the Talking Heads' reinterpretation gives off an intricate sense of romanticism and secularism. - The lyrics can be interpreted as expressing a longing for spiritual redemption and salvation.

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