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Description
This song, Down by the Riverside has a long history and was known in Civil War times. It was sung by both whites and blacks. The verse "I ain't goin' to study war no mo'" perhaps originated about this time. Slaves from the American South adopted this song as a work song and added many lines to it from other spirituals. It has endured far into modern times with little changes since.
When I first heard the vocal track from Feter and Roxylee my idea of treatment was to handle the song as if it were being sung as people were arriving at the spiritual river of heaven. Where the saints (that's us) arrive with all of their armor and crowns. Laying down their heavy and earthly loads it is a true moment of joy that a celebration erupts as the rewards of heaven are revealed. As this was an 'outdoor' event it became paramount that the parade theme be consistent with a marching brass band. Nearly Dixieland in sound and the addition of a Tuba it solved the problem of the impracticality of a stringed bass. Joseph Gurner's brilliant handling of the project made the already great vocals transport outside and gave it a sense of place.
The project was handed over to me about 4 months ago and it went through a number machinations and was even put on hold for a while as we brooded over it's direction. Feter showed his characteristic patience and grace and I feel blessed to have been included in such a project. I worried that I might be taking too long but I realized that this was not really anyone's project and I had the sense that there is a spiritual reason for the timing of this. I can't explain this, but it has all to do with Mr. Feter. Only he can discern the outcome.
Photograph of Yellowstone river as it flows north just past Fishkill Bridge.
When I first heard the vocal track from Feter and Roxylee my idea of treatment was to handle the song as if it were being sung as people were arriving at the spiritual river of heaven. Where the saints (that's us) arrive with all of their armor and crowns. Laying down their heavy and earthly loads it is a true moment of joy that a celebration erupts as the rewards of heaven are revealed. As this was an 'outdoor' event it became paramount that the parade theme be consistent with a marching brass band. Nearly Dixieland in sound and the addition of a Tuba it solved the problem of the impracticality of a stringed bass. Joseph Gurner's brilliant handling of the project made the already great vocals transport outside and gave it a sense of place.
The project was handed over to me about 4 months ago and it went through a number machinations and was even put on hold for a while as we brooded over it's direction. Feter showed his characteristic patience and grace and I feel blessed to have been included in such a project. I worried that I might be taking too long but I realized that this was not really anyone's project and I had the sense that there is a spiritual reason for the timing of this. I can't explain this, but it has all to do with Mr. Feter. Only he can discern the outcome.
Photograph of Yellowstone river as it flows north just past Fishkill Bridge.
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Lyrics
Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Study war no more.
Gonna stick my sword in the golden sand;
Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna stick my sword in the golden sand
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.
Gonna put on my long white robe;
Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna put on my long white robe; Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.
Gonna put on my starry crown; Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna put on my starry crown;
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Study war no more.
Gonna stick my sword in the golden sand;
Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna stick my sword in the golden sand
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.
Gonna put on my long white robe;
Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna put on my long white robe; Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.
Gonna put on my starry crown; Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna put on my starry crown;
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.
Feter
Andy Roxy and Joe ...I cant thank you all of these times waiting to do this
song ..it means alot to me personally and have Roxy beside me and now Andy
spiritual inspirations over it with marvelous Sax and Joe's ...this is just
absolutly a true joy and honor to me ... God Bless you all ...peace !!!!!