See this ancient riverbed
See where all the follies are led
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

I was just some tow-head teen
Feeling 'round for fingers to get in between
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

The season rubs me wrong
The summer swells anon
So knock me down, tear me up
But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

Sweet descend this rabble round
The pretty little patter of a seaport town
Rolling in the water and rolling down the old main drag

All dolled up in gabardine
The lash-flashing Leda of Pier nineteen
Queen of the water and queen of the old main drag

The season rubs me wrong
The summer swells anon
So knock me down, tear me up
But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

The season rubs me wrong
The summer swells anon
So knock me down, tear me up
But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

Down by the water and down by the old main drag
Down by the water and down by the old main drag


Lyrics submitted by hugmecolin, edited by Winged, HalfBakedSkillet, EmilyP, KingQwerty, crayfish, ChunkMark

Down By The Water Lyrics as written by Colin Meloy

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Down by the Water song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    He's talking about his hometown, Portland, OR. Portland is on the Columbia river and built on an ancient riverbed. His speaks of his experiences growing up. From a"towhead teen" struggling as a musician, through seasons of ups and downs. He's facing challenges throughout life, "I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup" in order to find success. He then starts to speak fondly of his city, he's growing accustomed to it, finding comfort in familiarity. The last part "All dolled up in gaberdine" speaks of his current fame in a bittersweet way. Done riding the rockstar fame of his youth and settling into a mature muscian role and exploring his music.

    All dolled up in gabardine The last flashing lee to appear nineteen Queen of the water and queen of the old main drag

    The season rubs me wrong The summer swells anon So knock me down, tear me up But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup Down by the water and down by the old main drag

    The season rubs me wrong The summer swells anon So knock me down, tear me up But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup Down by the water and down by the old main drag

    Down by the water and down by the old main drag Down by the water and down by the old main drag Send "Down by the Water" Ringtone to your Cell

    ridukosenninon January 19, 2011   Link

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