The composition Boat on the River became one of the biggest hits of the rock band Styx in Europe, but was not popular in the United States, the band’s homeland. At the same time, critics received it well, but even their positive reviews did not help the single get into the American charts.
Perhaps that is why not so much is known about the history of the creation of the song Boat on the River, but some information was obtained from individual interviews.
Story and meaning of the song Boat on the River
Boat on the River was written and composed by Tommy Shaw. He wrote it in 1979 after a trip to France. At the time, Styx was already a well-known band and Tommy was beginning to tire of being famous with all its side effects.
In the song Boat on the River, he expressed his desire to escape this madness and take refuge in his parents’ house. Tranquility Base, where all roads lead, is the name of the farm where Tommy lived as a child.
Recording and release
Tommy performed the song Boat on the River, accompanying himself on the mandolin. Dennis De Young played accordion, Chuck Panozzo on double bass, John Panozzo on tambourine and drums, and James Young on acoustic guitar.
Boat on the River was released as a single from the Cornerstone album. In the US, as mentioned above, it did not cause a stir, but in some European countries it entered the top five tracks (in Switzerland it even topped the local charts).
Video of Boat on the River
Let’s watch the online music video for the song Boat on the River by the rock band Styx.
Boat on the River Lyrics by Styx
Take me down to my boat on the river
I need to go down, I need to come down
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won’t cry out any more
Time stands still as I gaze in her waters
She eases me down, touching me gently
With the waters that flow past my boat on the river
So I won’t cry out anymore
Oh the river is deep
The river it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to Tranquility Base
Where the frown on my face disappears
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won’t cry out anymore
Boat on the River Lyrics Alternate
Take me to my boat on the river
I need to go with the flow, I need to get back home
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won’t ask for more
Time stops when I look into her waters
She comforts me with a gentle touch
The waters that flow past my boat on the river
So I won’t ask for more
Oh the river is deep
The river touches my life like the waves touch the sand
And all roads lead to Tranquility Base
Where the frown disappears from my face
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won’t ask for more
