In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I left old Kentucky in a blindin' fog
Headed for the southland
haulin' cedar logs
Along around Celina
I saw the sky turn blue
Headed for the southland
with a six men crew
[Chorus]
Cumberland River carry me
on down the line to sunny Tennessee
Shirley Mae's awaitin' lonely as can be
Cumberland River let me feel that southern breeze
Two days on the river
the weather it got rough
Headed for the south bank
we hit a big rock bluff
Workin' like the devil
to turn this boat around
Two miles south of Carthage
We made it safe and sound
[Chorus]
Two more days of travel
and then I'll draw my pay
Headed for the southland
to see my Shirley Mae
A part a can of sorghum
and a sack of flour
Fifteen dollars waitin'
seven cents an hour
[Chorus: x 2]
Cumberland River let me feel that southern breeze
Headed for the southland
haulin' cedar logs
Along around Celina
I saw the sky turn blue
Headed for the southland
with a six men crew
[Chorus]
Cumberland River carry me
on down the line to sunny Tennessee
Shirley Mae's awaitin' lonely as can be
Cumberland River let me feel that southern breeze
Two days on the river
the weather it got rough
Headed for the south bank
we hit a big rock bluff
Workin' like the devil
to turn this boat around
Two miles south of Carthage
We made it safe and sound
[Chorus]
Two more days of travel
and then I'll draw my pay
Headed for the southland
to see my Shirley Mae
A part a can of sorghum
and a sack of flour
Fifteen dollars waitin'
seven cents an hour
[Chorus: x 2]
Cumberland River let me feel that southern breeze
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Cumberland River Lyrics as written by Randall Hylton
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.