A laid back little gem written by Clarence Williams and performed with many of his longtime washboard bandmates and collaborators: Ed Allen, Cecil Scott, Floyd Casey, and Cyrus St. Clair – along with guitarist Roy Smeck.
While the vibe is mellow – it’s rich with a melancholy optimism.
“I’m going down to that river
about the break of the day
‘Cause I’m feeling kind of low down
Gonna wash all my sins away!
Goodbye you wicked sinners
I’m through messin’ around
Y’all had better get ready
I’m Hallalujah bound!
Brothers I’m through
Sinnin’ like you
I’m bound for the promised land
If you agree with what I say
Then let me see your right hand
Goodbye you old backsliders
I don’t care what you say
about me going down to that river
washing my sins away.”
After I first heard this tune, I found myself humming the melody for the rest of the day. It’s a reminder of how great a songwriter Williams was.
Recorded in New York City on January 10, 1934.
Released as Vocalion 2759.
Credits:
Ed Allen – cornet
Cecil Scott – clarinet
Clarence Williams – piano, vocals
Roy Smeck – guitar
Cyrus St. Clair – tuba
Floyd Casey – washboard
The flip side, “Let’s Have A Showdown”, can be heard at:
https://youtu.be/-1JLle1gup0
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