Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)

Kathy Mattea

About Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)

"Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst)" is a song written by Bob McDill, Dickey Lee and Bucky Jones, and recorded by American country music artist Kathy Mattea. It was released in January 1993 as the second single from the album Lonesome Standard Time. The song reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Joe Cocker covered the song on his 1994 album Have a Little Faith, as did Don Williams on his 1995 album Love Stories.


Year:
1992
4:12
1,083 
#2

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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

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Kathy Mattea

Kathleen Alice "Kathy" Mattea (pronounced ma-TAY-a) (born June 21, 1959, in South Charleston, West Virginia) is an American country music and bluegrass performer who often brings folk, Celtic and traditional country sounds to her music. Active since 1983 as a recording artist, she has recorded seventeen albums and has charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. This total includes the number one hits "Goin' Gone", "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses", "Come From the Heart" and "Burnin' Old Memories", as well as twelve additional Top Ten singles. more »

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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.
Songwriters
The 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 Version
Don 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 Version
Kathy Mattea later included the song on her album titled "Asking Us to Dance", released in 1991 by Mercury Records.
Chart Performance
Despite 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 Performance
Kathy Mattea's version of the song also reached number 19 on the same chart, Billboard Hot Country Songs, following its release.
Major Themes
The 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 Legacy
Despite 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 Retirement
After 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 Continuation
After 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.

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