This song is actually about the prohibition era. The singer is on a hand made raft (not uncommon at the time) drinking an illegal drink: Mississippi Moonshine (MISSISSIPPI MOON won't you keep on SHINING on me) He watches the steam powered paddle boats come up the river. The Black Water refers not only to the Mississippi River at night but also to his drink. He is headed down the river to go dance at a club down in New Orleans, where Dixieland was originally played.
This song is actually about the prohibition era. The singer is on a hand made raft (not uncommon at the time) drinking an illegal drink: Mississippi Moonshine (MISSISSIPPI MOON won't you keep on SHINING on me) He watches the steam powered paddle boats come up the river. The Black Water refers not only to the Mississippi River at night but also to his drink. He is headed down the river to go dance at a club down in New Orleans, where Dixieland was originally played.