About the song
## Black Water: A Deep Dive into the Doobie Brothers’ Masterpiece
**The Doobie Brothers** have always been a band that effortlessly blended rock, country, and soul into a unique sound that resonated with audiences of all ages. Their 1973 album, *What Were You Doing When the Lights Went Out?* is a masterpiece that showcases their versatility and songwriting prowess. One of the standout tracks on this album is **”Black Water”**, a song that has become a classic in the band’s repertoire.
“Black Water” is a song that evokes a sense of mystery, adventure, and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dark, flowing river that symbolizes both the allure and the danger of the unknown. The song’s title, “Black Water,” is a metaphor for the hidden depths of the human soul, and the band explores this theme with great depth and sensitivity.
The song begins with a haunting guitar riff that immediately sets the mood. The rhythm section is steady and driving, providing a solid foundation for the melodic lines. The harmonies are rich and full, adding a layer of texture and complexity to the arrangement. The lead vocals are soulful and expressive, capturing the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
One of the most striking aspects of “Black Water” is its use of imagery. The lyrics are filled with vivid descriptions of nature, such as “rolling hills” and “dark and winding roads.” These images serve to create a sense of place and atmosphere, drawing the listener into the song’s world.
The song’s bridge is a particularly powerful moment. The tempo slows down, and the harmonies become more intense. The lyrics express a sense of longing and regret, as the singer reflects on lost opportunities and missed connections.
The final chorus is a triumphant affirmation of the power of love and connection. The singer declares that he will “follow the river, wherever it goes,” symbolizing his willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown.
“Black Water” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a song that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, thanks to its powerful message, beautiful melodies, and unforgettable lyrics. The Doobie Brothers’ performance is masterful, capturing the song’s emotional intensity and conveying its message with great clarity.
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Lyrics
Well, I built me a raft and she’s ready for floatin’
Ol’ Mississippi, she’s callin’ my name
Catfish are jumpin’, that paddle wheel thumpin’
Black water keeps rollin’ on past just the same
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me?
Yeah, keep on shinin’ your light
Gonna make everything
Pretty mama, gonna make everything all right
And I ain’t got no worries
‘Cause I ain’t in no hurry at all
Well, if it rains, I don’t care
Don’t make no difference to me
Just take that streetcar that’s goin’ uptown
Yeah, I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland and dance a honky-tonk
And I’ll be buyin’ ev’rybody drinks all ‘roun’
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me?
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me?
Keep on shinin’ your light
Gonna make everything, everything
Gonna make everything all right
And I ain’t got no worries
‘Cause I ain’t in no hurry at all
I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
(By the hand) hand (take me by the hand) pretty mama
Gonna dance with your daddy all night long
I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with your daddy night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)
I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland
Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand
By the hand, take me by the hand, pretty mama (I wanna honky-tonk, honky-tonk)
Gonna dance with you all night long (honky-tonk with you all long)