Down by the Water
The Decemberists
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See this ancient riverbed See where all the follies are led Down by the water and down by the old main drag I was just some tow-head teen Feeling 'round for fingers to get in between Down by the water and down by the old main drag The season rubs me wrong The summer swells anon So knock me down, tear me up But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup Down by the water and down by the old main drag Sweet descend this rabble round The pretty little patter of a seaport town Rolling in the water and rolling down the old main drag All dolled up in gabardine The lash-flashing Leda of Pier nineteen Queen of the water and queen of the old main drag The season rubs me wrong The summer swells anon So knock me down, tear me up But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup Down by the water and down by the old main drag The season rubs me wrong The summer swells anon So knock me down, tear me up But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup Down by the water and down by the old main drag Down by the water and down by the old main drag Down by the water and down by the old main drag
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Written by: COLIN MELOY
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
General Information"Down by the Water" is a single by American indie folk band The Decemberists from their album "The King is Dead".
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Band MembersThe Decemberists consists of Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, and John Moen.
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Release DateThe song was released on November 2, 2010, as the lead single from the band's sixth studio album.
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Guest ArtistThe song features backing vocals from American singer-songwriter Gillian Welch, contributing to its unique vocal texture.
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Unique InstrumentationThe song prominently features the harmonica, setting it apart from other songs in the indie folk genre.
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Chart PerformanceIt reached number one on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, marking the Decemberists' first number-one single.
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Grammy NominationThe album "The King is Dead" which includes "Down by the Water", was nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 54th Grammy Awards.
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Music VideoA music video for the song was released in January 2011, featuring the band performing by the water, fitting the song's title.
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Song StyleThe song showcases folk and alt-country influences, departing from the band's typical progressive folk style.
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Critical ReceptionCritics praised the song as a welcome evolution of the band's sound, with praise particularly given to its catchy melody and lyrical storytelling.
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Song LengthThe single's runtime is 3:42 minutes, making it one of the shorter songs on the album.
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Song Meaning"Down by the Water" has been interpreted as a song about coming to terms with remorse and loss, with the water symbolizing comfort and catharsis.
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Lyrics CompositionThe lyrics are written by the band's lead vocalist, Colin Meloy, known for his storytelling songwriting style.
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Live PerformancesThe Decemberists have performed "Down by the Water" live many times, often closing their shows with it because of its popularity.
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Recording LocationThe album "The King is Dead" including "Down by the Water" was recorded in a barn in Oregon, USA.
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Citation
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