Down by the River

Albert Hammond

About Down by the River

"Down by the River" is a 1972 Albert Hammond song that was released from his 1972 album It Never Rains in Southern California. Written by Hammond himself, it became his own debut charting hit in 1972. Upon re-release in 1975, it became an international hit for Hammond, charting in the top ten in West Germany and Switzerland and the top twenty in Austria.


Year:
1973
3:03
3,073 
#5

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City life was getting us down so we spent a weekend out town
Pitched our tent on a patch of ground down by the river
Lit a fire and drank some wine you put your jeans on top of mine
I said: Come in
The water's fine

Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river

Said: Come in the water's fine down by the river
Didn't feel too good all night
So we took a walk in the morning light
And came across the strangest sight down by the river
Silver fish lay on its side it was washed up by the early tide
I wonder how it died?

Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river, silver fish lay on its side

The doctor put us both to bed
He doesed us up and he shook his head
Only foolish people go
He said
Down by the river
The mighty willows weep
Said he

Because they're dying gradually
From the waste from the factories

Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river

The mighty willows weep, said he down by the river

And in time the riverbanks will die
The reeds will wilt and the ducks won't fly
There'll be a tear in the otter's eye down by the river
The banks will soon be black and dead
And where the otter raised his head
Will be a clean
White skull instead

Down by the river
Down by the river
Down by the river, the banks will soon be black and dead

Down by the river
Down by the river
The banks will soon be black and dead, down by the river

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Albert Hammond

Albert Louis Hammond OBE (born 18 May 1944) is an English singer, songwriter and record producer from Gibraltar. more »

1 fan

Written by: ALBERT HAMMOND, MIKE HAZLEWOOD

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song History
"Down by the River" is a song by British singer/songwriter Albert Hammond that was released in 1972. This song is a part of his debut album titled "It Never Rains in Southern California."
Genre
Although Albert Hammond's music usually falls under the pop genre, "Down by the River" incorporates elements of folk-rock that makes it unique in his discography.
Lyrics
The song tells a story of romance by the river, a common theme in folk rock music. It entices listeners with its vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.
Chart Success
"Down by the River" enjoyed success in Europe, reaching the number one spot on the Spanish Singles Chart in the mid-'70s.
Co-writer
The song was co-written with renowned songwriter Mike Hazlewood, who was a longtime collaborator with Hammond.
Not to be confused
It's important to note that Albert Hammond's "Down by the River" is not to be confused with the Neil Young song of the same name, released in 1969.
Cover Versions
"Down by the River" was covered by various artists in different languages, demonstrating the universal appeal of its melody and theme.
Use in Media
The song made a reappearance in popular culture when it was featured on the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's film "Django Unchained" in 2012.
Personal Significance
In several interviews, Hammond has mentioned that "Down by the River" holds a special place for him because it helped establish his solo career outside of his work as a songwriter.
Live Performances
Even decades after its release, "Down by the River" continues to be a staple of Albert Hammond's live performances.

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    Down by the River

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #91


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