This week, we’re asked to present a song about running water – be it stream, brook, creek or, indeed, river.

My initial thought was to go with ‘Black Muddy River’, one of my favourite Jerry ballads by The Grateful Dead. However, I was mortified when I checked back in my contributions history to discover that I’d already used it – not once, but twice. Wonderful song though it is, I felt that a third time would be overdoing it somewhat.

Nothing whatsoever wrong with this as an alternative, though. It doesn’t get much better than early ’70s acoustic Neil Young. This was originally released in 1969 on the ‘Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere’ album with Crazy Horse.

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

She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away

Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river

Dead, ooh, ooh, shot her dead, ooh

You take my hand, I’ll take your hand
Together we may get away
This much madness is too much sorrow
It’s impossible to make it today

She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away

Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river

Dead, dead, ooh, ooh, shot her dead, shot her dead

Be on my side. I’ll be on your side
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

She could drag me over the rainbow
And send me away

Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river

Written by Neil Young

Song Lyric Sunday 23 November 2025