Introduction:
One of the earliest recordings by the soon-to-be-king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, “Down by the Riverside” was released in 1954. Though it wouldn’t become one of his chart-topping hits, the gospel-infused song holds historical significance as a window into the early days of Presley’s career and the development of rock and roll.
“Down by the Riverside” is a cover of a traditional spiritual, a genre of African-American religious folk songs that emerged during slavery. Spirituals often used coded language and metaphors to express hope for freedom, both spiritual and physical. The lyrics of “Down by the Riverside” speak of seeking solace by the riverside, a place of baptism and potential escape route on the Underground Railroad.
The recording of “Down by the Riverside” took place at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee on July 5, 1954. Sun Studio was a small, independent studio run by producer Sam Phillips, who was known for his eye for talent and his interest in capturing the sound of Black gospel and blues music for a wider audience. It was at Sun Studio that Presley, along with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black (who are not credited on the record), recorded a handful of songs for Phillips. These early recordings, including “Down by the Riverside”, are considered to be the foundation of rock and roll.
While “Down by the Riverside” itself wasn’t a major hit, it showcases the raw talent and charisma that would propel Elvis Presley to superstardom. Presley’s energetic vocals and the driving rhythm section provided by Moore and Black laid the groundwork for the sound that would dominate popular music in the years to come. The song also reflects the influence of gospel music on Presley’s early work, a sound that would continue to shape his music throughout his career.
The recording of “Down by the Riverside” was not officially released until 1967, on the compilation album “Elvis Presley – Something for Everybody.” Despite its lack of commercial success, the song remains an important historical document, a relic from a pivotal moment in the birth of rock and roll. It offers a glimpse into the musical influences that shaped Presley and the sound that would change the course of music history.
Video:
Lyrics:
Let’s snap our fingers clap our hands
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside
Let’s give ’em what the song demands
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
We’ll hear them playing keep that beat
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside
Let’s get together what a treat
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
Strike up the band, start the parade
Don’t let that grand old rhythm fade
Just play that drum, play that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
Shake tambourines, play that cornet
Crank up that horn you won’t forget
Your heart will hum to that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
The cymbals clang, just pound that beat
Sounds like a hundred marching feet
It’s fun to join in that number
When the saints come marchin’ in
See banners wave, oh hear that ring
We all feel prouder than a king
’cause everyone, everyone loves that number
When the saints come marchin’ in