Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)
Kathy Mattea
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Friends I could count on, I could count on one hand With a leftover finger or two I took 'em for granted, let 'em all slip away Now where they are I wish I knew They roll by just like water And I guess we never learn Go through life parched and empty Standing knee deep in a river and dying of thirst Sometimes I remember sweethearts I've known Some I've forgotten I suppose One or two still linger, oh, and I wonder now Why I ever let them go? They roll by just like water And I guess we never learn Go through life parched and empty Standing knee deep in a river and dying of thirst So the sidewalk is crowded, the city goes by And I rush through another day And a world full of strangers turn their eyes to me But I just look the other way They roll by just like water And I guess we never learn Go through life parched and empty Standing knee deep in a river and dying of thirst They roll by just like water And I guess we never learn Go through life parched and empty Standing knee deep in a river and dying of thirst
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: BUCKY JONES, DICKEY LEE, BOB MCDILL
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Information"Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)" is a song recorded by both Don Williams and Kathy Mattea at different times.
|
SongwritersThe song was written by Bucky Jones, Dickey Lee, and Bob McDill. All three are renowned songwriters particularly Bob McDill who has written hits for numerous artists and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985.
|
Don Williams VersionDon Williams recorded his version of the song for top country music label RCA Records Nashville. It was part of his album "Currents" which was released in 1992.
|
Kathy Mattea VersionKathy Mattea later included the song on her album titled "Asking Us to Dance", released in 1991 by Mercury Records.
|
Chart PerformanceDespite being a track from Don Williams's album "Currents", it became a charting single for him in 1993. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
|
Kathy Mattea's PerformanceKathy Mattea's version of the song also reached number 19 on the same chart, Billboard Hot Country Songs, following its release.
|
Major ThemesThe song’s lyrics represent a powerful metaphor about appreciating life’s blessings and opportunities, symbolizing a person standing in a river of opportunities but still dying of thirst due to ungratefulness or ignoring what's available to them.
|
Song LegacyDespite not making it to the very top of music charts, "Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)" is considered a beloved song among fans of both artists. It's a song that's often performed live in their respective concerts.
|
Williams's RetirementAfter recording this song and many others, Don Williams announced his retirement in 2016. His contributions to the country music including "Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)" remain favorite classics among country music lovers.
|
Mattea's ContinuationAfter recording this song, Kathy Mattea went on to record many more albums and continues to tour and perform extensively. Her rendition of the song stays as one of her most poignant performances.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9076796/Kathy+Mattea/Standing+Knee+Deep+in+a+River+%28Dying+of+Thirst%29>.
Discuss the Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst) Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In