Photo Credit: Daniel Jenks

You may laugh at that video, but back in Chicago I actually did know a promoter (that is a generous title for what he was doing with his life) who lived in a van…down by the river. Kinda sad, actually. Anyways.Musicians worldwide have always enjoyed writing songs about something going on “down by the river‰Û. From George Lewis, to New Jersey rappers, to Neil Young, I guess everyone is having some sort of party or something down by the river.

“Down By the River‰” by Mir Fontane

For all you Philly kids: This 23-year old Camden, New Jersey (which is by a river, mind you) rapper references WaWa in this song. What‰’s not to love? He released an album a little bit ago that is a lot different than this track, so if that‰’s your thing, check it out. I‰’m definitely interested in seeing what he comes out with next.

“Down By the River‰” by Bliss n Eso

Active since the early 2000s in south Australia? This hip hop trio Kinda sounds like Aesop Rock with The Go! Team and have a new album coming out this year. They name a few rivers in this song, talk about swimming and boating, and I‰’m not really sure what any of it means, but hey, they‰’re down by the river.

“Down By the River‰” by Neil Young

I mean it‰’s a 10 minute Neil Young song. It‰’s a regular Neil Young song. It‰’s on a Neil Young album and Neil Young played it. I‰’m not really sure what else to say about Neil Young.

Neil Young.

“Down By the Riverside‰” by George Lewis

Pretend it‰’s just the river, not the riverside. Humor me. Jazz great George Lewis makes me feel like I‰’m down by the river in Mississippi in the 20‰’s or something like that. Neil Young did not write this song.

Musicians like rivers a lot I guess? That is what I will leave you with. Amazed you got this far.