Why is the song "Oh Black Water, Keep on Rolling" calling the Mississippi River black? Is it black?

Question

Is this a metaphor? And please remind me who sings this... Doobie Brothers? Thanks!

Answer 1

Rock lyrics very commonly mix literal with figurative meanings. You can't just take it all literally. 'Water' is a common metaphor for alcohol in rock music.

There could be many meanings to 'black water' - the muddy Mississippi as already mentioned but other things as well.

Those Doobies also mention 'Mississippi moon won't you keep on shining on me' - which is very likely a reference to alcohol for both its good and bad effects.

'Moonshine' is a common reference to alcohol and 'moon' is a common reference to insanity. All of which are tied up together.

Answer 2

Yes, it's by the Doobie Brothers. The Mississippi River isn't black; it's more of a greenish brown, but some Gulf Coast states have had black water caused by algae (similar to the better-known red tide...see link below).

Then again, the song also mentions moonlight repeatedly. The river would look very black at night, no matter what color it is in daylight.

Answer 3

Mississippi Moon Keep On Shining

Answer 4

in new orleans the mississippi river lives up to the name muddy mississippi its very brown. Yuck. the scary part is thats the drinking water for most of the NO. Iknow lesson you weren't looking for but it is sometimes called black especally in some areas b/c of the muddy look!

Answer 5

Yes it was the Doobie Brothers.

The Mississippi River has traditionally been called muddy, altho the places that I've seen it, it was quite clear. "Blackwater" is, no doubt a reference to the earlier "muddy" reference.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why is the song "Oh Black Water, Keep on Rolling" calling the Mississippi River black? Is it black?
Is this a metaphor? And please remind me who sings this... Doobie Brothers? Thanks!

Answer 7

All rivers look black at night.