"Down by the Riverside" (also known as "Ain't Gonna Study War No More" and "Gonna lay down my burden") is an African-American spiritual. Its roots date back to before the American Civil War, though it was first published in 1918 in Plantation Melodies: A Collection of Modern, Popular and Old-time Negro-Songs of the Southland, Chicago, the Rodeheaver Company. The song has alternatively been known as "Ain' go'n' to study war no mo'", "Ain't Gwine to Study War No More", "Down by de Ribberside", "Going to Pull My War-Clothes" and "Study war no more". The song was first recorded by the Fisk University jubilee quartet in 1920 (published by Columbia in 1922), and there are at least 14 black gospel recordings before World War II.
Because of its pacifistic imagery, "Down by the Riverside" has also been used as an anti-war protest song, especially during the Vietnam War. The song is also included in collections of socialist and labor songs.
Much of this spiritual contains Biblical imagery. In general, the song is focused on the concept of leaving the feelings of anger and pessimism behind, as to have a new spiritual dress, in the setting of a riverside, prior to going across it.
The song suggests baptism in water, using the metaphor of crossing the River Jordan to enter the Promised Land in the Old Testament. The refrain of "ain't gonna study war no more" is a reference to a quotation found in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 2, verse 4 (KJV): "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." One of the lines also references Jesus Christ, specifically, "Gonna talk with the Prince of Peace," as the "Prince of Peace" is a common title for Jesus. In "Gonna climb the road to heaven," the road is a metaphor for the difficult journey of life, as a road and travel can be dangerous and full of trial. This sentiment is similar to the line, "Gonna climb up on that mountain," which again is symbolic of the arduous journey of life.
To download the easy alphanotes sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
Goin' to lay down my burden, Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside; Goin' to lay down my burden, Down by the riverside, to study war no more.
Refrain: I ain’t goin’ to study war no more, ain’t goin’ to study war no more, ain’t goin’ to study war no more. I ain’t goin’ to study war no more, ain’t goin’ to study war no more, ain’t goin’ to study war no more.
Goin’ to lay down my sword and shield, Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside, Goin’ to lay down my sword and shield, Down by the riverside, to study war no more. [Refrain]
Goin’ to try on my long white robe, Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside, Goin’ to try on my long white robe, Down by the riverside, to study war no more. [Refrain]
Goin’ to try on my starry crown, Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside, Goin’ to try on my starry crown, Down by the riverside, to study war no more. [Refrain]
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