This entry concludes a series of reflections about peace, togetherness, unity and joy. No better person than Pete Seeger to stoke the embers in our hearts—and no better song for him to sing than “Down by the Riverside.”

I love when Pete got the crowd singing. He had the knack for timing between the verses and shouting out the words for everyone to sing along. He strummed the banjo and sang his thrilling harmonies on high (or low). In this version, he teaches the crowd to harmonize, too. He also teaches us about this song’s roots that lie in the traditions of African-American Spirituals. Those songs brightened many a bleak, hard life. Let this song carry us, still marching, toward a safe future for every parent and every child.

Enjoy some lyrics[1] here & listen on YouTube[2] with Pete, the sing-along king:

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield,
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield,
Down by the riverside
Study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more
Ain't gonna study war no more

I'm gonna lay down that atom bomb
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down that atom bomb,
Down by the riverside
Study war no more


Photo: Pete Seeger, American folk singer (1955), Fred Palumbo[3]

[1] http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858926729/ (Abbreviated above due to space.)
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYe-bLaqhhY “Any tenors here? It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” (Pete)
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pete_Seeger_NYWTS.jpg (no known restrictions on use of this photo)