Oh! my Clema, Oh! Once industrial by way of steam powered craft, it remained vital thru the 1920's, essentially dying out with the advent of railroads. The old main drag in Portland is the port area along the river. “The river” too is symbolic, as in the place where “the water” settles after it has ‘fallen’. Some believe it was a Native American Tribal song that was adapted to include Christian lyrics. Originates from the SNL skit featuring Chris Farley as Matt Foley, motivational speaker. 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. ... You're gonna end up eating a steady diet of government cheese and living in a van down by the river!" Additionally Gallagher perceives himself as being part of the movement of “the water”. my Clema, Oh! A truly famous track. 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. I say that so you will know that I have some education and credibility on this subject. In fact he seemingly resides “down by the river”. I have a degree in Music from a Christian Liberal Arts College. Being "sold down the river" means you've been betrayed. Lyrics to 'Down By The River' by Milky Chance. "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. Down by the river I shot my baby Down by the river, Dead, oh, shot her dead. 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. 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. 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. my darling Clementine, Now you are gone and lost forever, I'm dreadful sorry Clementine. ”Down to the River” is a song about Baptism. A figurative expression meaning being a complete failure at life, a drain on society. Her lips were like two luscious beefsteaks Dipp'd in tomato sauce and brine, Down by the Riverside is another Negro spiritual song which dates back to before the American Civil War. … It used to mean something far worse. 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