”Down to the River” is a song about Baptism. A truly famous track. A figurative expression meaning being a complete failure at life, a drain on society. my Clema, Oh! In fact he seemingly resides “down by the river”. While it is hard to pinpoint the exact origins of the song, “Down to the River to Pray” has been referred to as a hymn, a spiritual and an Appalachian song. Once industrial by way of steam powered craft, it remained vital thru the 1920's, essentially dying out with the advent of railroads. "Down in the River to Pray" (also known as "Down to the River to Pray," "Down in the Valley to Pray," "The Good Old Way," and "Come, Let Us All Go Down") is a traditional American song variously described as a Christian folk hymn, an African-American spiritual, an Appalachian song, and a southern gospel song. For instance, “River” was featured on a Beats by Dre commercial. my Clema, Oh! NPR's Code Switch traces the history of the phrase and spells out its original meaning in … Some believe it was a Native American Tribal song that was adapted to include Christian lyrics. As aforementioned, this track has had a notable pop media presence. It is centred on the idea of abandoning pessimism and aggression, and putting on new spiritual clothing, at the side of a river before crossing it. Down by the river I shot my baby Down by the river, Dead, oh, shot her dead. Down by the Riverside is another Negro spiritual song which dates back to before the American Civil War. Tow-Head Teen refers to Steam tenders that worked the river, tying barges along side as they went (known as fingers) to make extra money. … ... You're gonna end up eating a steady diet of government cheese and living in a van down by the river!" I say that so you will know that I have some education and credibility on this subject. Down by the river there lived a maiden, In a cottage built just seven by nine, And all around this lubly bower, The beauteous sunflower blossoms twine. Down by the River I was drawn by your grace Into tempest of oblivion and to the lovers-place I was stucked in a puddle full of tears and unwise Dark doings, now I know that we've paid unlike Additionally Gallagher perceives himself as being part of the movement of “the water”. The old main drag in Portland is the port area along the river. Her lips were like two luscious beefsteaks Dipp'd in tomato sauce and brine, Being "sold down the river" means you've been betrayed. Be on my side, I'll be on your side, baby There is no reason for you to hide It's so hard for me staying here all alone When you could be taking me for a ride. my darling Clementine, Now you are gone and lost forever, I'm dreadful sorry Clementine. 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