Watching the River Flow
Bob Dylan
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What's the matter with me I don't have much to say Daylight sneakin' through the window And I'm still in this all-night cafe Walkin' to and fro beneath the moon Out to where the trucks are rollin' slow To sit down on this bank of sand And watch the river flow Wish I was back in the city Instead of this old bank of sand With the sun beating down over the chimney tops And the one I love so close at hand If I had wings and I could fly I know where I would go But right now I'll just sit here so contentedly And watch the river flow People disagreeing on all just about everything, yeah Makes you stop and all wonder why Why only yesterday I saw somebody on the street Who just couldn't help but cry Oh, this ol' river keeps on rollin', though No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow And as long as it does I'll just sit here And watch the river flow People disagreeing everywhere you look Makes you want to stop and read a book Why only yesterday I saw somebody on the street That was really shook But this ol' river keeps on rollin', though No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow And as long as it does I'll just sit here And watch the river flow Watch the river flow Watchin' the river flow Watchin' the river flow But I'll sit down on this bank of sand And watch the river flow
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Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Information"Watching the River Flow" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. It was released as a single on June 3, 1971, by Columbia Records.
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Music ProductionThe song was produced by the legendary Bob Johnston, who also worked with other significant artists like Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen.
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Album AppearanceAlthough "Watching the River Flow" is not part of any studio album by Dylan, it appeared on several compilations like 'Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol. II' and 'The Essential Bob Dylan.'
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Recording SessionThis song was recorded during a break in sessions for Dylan's album "Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol. II."
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Chart Success"Watching the River Flow" reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and number 24 on the UK Singles Chart, evidence of its commercial success.
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Session MusiciansThis song features some renowned musicians, including bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn and drummer Al Jackson Jr., both members of Booker T. & the MG's, a popular Southern soul band.
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Artistic LullThe song has been seen as a creative resurgence for Dylan who, prior to recording "Watching the River Flow," was experiencing a relative drought in his songwriting.
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Musical StyleThe piece prominently incorporates honky-tonk style piano, making it stand out in Dylan's vast discography.
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Song’s Impression"Watching the River Flow" is often considered one of Dylan's most invigorating songs, featuring a driving beat, rollicking piano, and passionate vocals.
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Lyric InterpretationThe song features abstract lyrics about watching life pass by, a theme common in Dylan's music.
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Noteworthy CoverEnglish rock band Joe Cocker covered "Watching the River Flow" in 1972, providing the song with further exposure.
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Critical AcclaimDespite mixed reviews upon its release, "Watching the River Flow" is now considered a classic in Dylan's catalogue.
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Citation
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"Watching the River Flow Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30084227/Bob+Dylan/Watching+the+River+Flow>.
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