Down by the Water

The Decemberists

About Down by the Water

Down by the Water is a song on the American indie rock band The Decemberists' sixth album, The King is Dead. It was released as a single in 2010.


Year:
2011
3:42
85 
#1

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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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The Decemberists

The Decemberists are an indie folk rock band from Portland, Oregon, United States, fronted by singer/songwriter Colin Meloy. The other members of the band are Chris Funk (guitar, multi-instrumentalist), Jenny Conlee (Hammond organ, accordion, melodica, piano, keyboards, harmonica), Nate Query (bass guitar, string bass), and John Moen (drums, backing vocals, melodica, guitar). more »

1 fan

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".
Band Members
The Decemberists consists of Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, and John Moen.
Release Date
The song was released on November 2, 2010, as the lead single from the band's sixth studio album.
Guest Artist
The song features backing vocals from American singer-songwriter Gillian Welch, contributing to its unique vocal texture.
Unique Instrumentation
The song prominently features the harmonica, setting it apart from other songs in the indie folk genre.
Chart Performance
It reached number one on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, marking the Decemberists' first number-one single.
Grammy Nomination
The 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.
Music Video
A music video for the song was released in January 2011, featuring the band performing by the water, fitting the song's title.
Song Style
The song showcases folk and alt-country influences, departing from the band's typical progressive folk style.
Critical Reception
Critics praised the song as a welcome evolution of the band's sound, with praise particularly given to its catchy melody and lyrical storytelling.
Song Length
The single's runtime is 3:42 minutes, making it one of the shorter songs on the album.
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.
Lyrics Composition
The lyrics are written by the band's lead vocalist, Colin Meloy, known for his storytelling songwriting style.
Live Performances
The Decemberists have performed "Down by the Water" live many times, often closing their shows with it because of its popularity.
Recording Location
The album "The King is Dead" including "Down by the Water" was recorded in a barn in Oregon, USA.

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