Down By the Riverside

Annotation — Civil Rights Songs

Iconic American contemporary folk singer, Pete Seeger (born 3 May 1919 in Manhattan, New York, USA, died on 27 January 2014, same location) played a key role in the 1950s contemporary folk revival and the 1960s anti-war and Civil Rights movement. He often wrote political songs, protesting against war, segregation, and calling for environmental protection. (1) His body of songs referencing the Vietnam War is significant in both themes and volume [currently 16]: "The Willing Conscript" (1963) "Beans in My Ear" (1966), "The Draft Dodger Rag" (1966), "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" (1967), "Down By the Riverside" (1967), "Backlash Blues" (1968), "Talking Ben Tre" (1968), "The Torn Flag" (1968), "Anti-Vietnam Songs / Waist Deep in the Big Muddy / Arts in a Changing Society / Violence and Protest" (1968), "Bring Them Home" (1968), "Ballad of the Fort Hood Three" (1969), "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" (1970), "Last Train to Nuremberg" (1971), "Uncle Ho" (1971), and "Our Generation" (1971). The song "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" (Columbia Records # 4-44273) was about a platoon crossing a Louisiana river in 1942, which dangerously got deeper and deeper until the captain drowned. Only…

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs

The A-side, "Down By the Riverside", was often used as an anti-war, and Civil Rights song during the 1960s period. (1) It also featured on the 1967 album Waist Deep in the Big Muddy and Other Love Songs (Columbia Records # CS 9505).

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

About the artist

Born 3 May 1919 in Manhattan, New York, USA, died on 27 January 2014, same location

Themes

Anti-War · Civil Rights

In collections

Civil Rights Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs · Pete Seeger Songs