The Decemberists: Down by the Water Meaning

Down by the Water Lyrics

See this ancient riverbed
See where all our follies are led
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

I was just some towhead teen
Feeling around for fingers to get in between
Down by the water and down by the old main drag

The...

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   #1 top rated interpretation:
   anonymous

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   Oct 3rd 2011 !⃝

   Its about the joyful and now forgotten life of Portlands (and America's) essential maritime past. The old main drag in Portland is the port area along the river. Once industrial by way of steam powered craft, it remained vital thru the 1920's, essentially dying out with the advent of railroads.
   
   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. The shipping industry was seasonal, summers bringing a controlled swell (pretty little patter) to the ports.
   
   Eventually the rails render all this economically untenable, leaving these boats scrambling for revenue, even through unsafe conditions(knocked down=capsized, tear me up=beat up hull), they bore it all to fill their cup. Stubborn lot, old mariners.
   
   The lyrics listed above are incorrect, the line should read the "lash-flashing Leda on pier nineteen".
   
   Tourism is exploited in the end. In the 1920's steam launch rides provided civilized entertainment. Old boats at piers were decorated for patriotic events, especially decaying tall ships, like British Leda class frigates, of which only a few remain today.
   
   Lashings are rope joinery, and tall ships are famous for their miles of lines. Lash flashing Leda indeed! These were draped in colorful weatherproof bunting of red, white, and blue drapes of worsted wool, or gaberdine, for the 4th of July.
   
   To me this is such a sad song, invoking the horrible feeling of fighting to stay afloat whilst watching beloved lives, traditions, and graceful ships sink silently into the past. A beautiful, haunting, and uniquely American homage that deserves a place amongst our greatest maritime stories. Well Done Decemberists! galenaeus@yahoo.com

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