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Water this Dark

by John Shipe

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about

In 2017, just before I got sober, I nearly drowned in the Colorado River. The chorus came to me in a flash as I was drying out – literally and figuratively. Four years later, I went back to that river, had a joyful swim, and wrote the verses of rising strength & wisdom.

lyrics

I can’t go in a river this muddy
I won’t drown in water this dark
I go like this they don’t find my body
Don’t know my name I don’t leave no mark

Big mistake tempting fate in the Mighty Colorado
Up ‘til now my whole damn life ain’t nothing but a shadow
I can’t go in a river this muddy
I won’t drown in water this dark

Givin’ everything I got
My last breath for one more shot
I can’t go in a river this muddy
I won’t drown in water this dark

Last year the water level dropped to the gravel
And I slid along the bottom ‘til the judge banged his gavel
Yeah I can’t go in a river this muddy
I won’t drown in water this dark

When in doubt you can’t figure it out
Just go with the river downstream.
Somewhere down there the water gotta meet up your dreams
My time is coming
I’m gonna be somebody
Yeah my time is coming
I’m gonna make my mark

I can’t go in a river this muddy
I won’t drown in water this dark

Most folks don’t know this river don’t make it to the sea
Don’t that bother you? It sure as hell bothers me
Some folks say she gives so much to the land
Every once in awhile, the River gotta take one man

But my time is coming
I’m gonna be somebody
My time is coming
I’m gonna make my mark

I can’t go in a river this muddy
I won’t drown in water this dark
I go like this they don’t find my body
Don’t know my name I don’t leave no mark

credits

released March 8, 2024
Produced by Tyler Fortier
John Shipe - guitars (inclulding Dobro) & vocals
Lilli Worona - violin & vocals
Mike Walker - Organ
Sam Howard - Bass
Erin Flood Fortier - Vocals

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about

John Shipe Eugene, Oregon

Gushing reviews surround Shipe’s Americana work, charting in 6 countries on 3 continents. He's opened for Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Cake, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Jerry Joseph, Jimmy Cliff, Derek Trucks, Los Lobos, Hootie & Blowfish, and Blind Melon. Shipe music is described as cinematic, appearing in feature films, shorts and documentaries. 36 Shipe tunes rotated on 100 radio stations. ... more

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