“The Rivers of Texas (The Brazos River)”
Description
The singer lists the various rivers of Texas he has seen, noting that "Down by the Brazos I courted my dear." But now she has left him, and "I never will walk by the Brazos no more."
Notes
Paul Stamler notes that there are "non-Texas" versions of this song (see the alternate titles), though I have never encountered them. I know that at least one modern "folk" composer has created a localized version; I suspect the traditional versions are of similar origin. Though I am not sure which is the original. - RBW
As far as I can tell, the Texas version was first. I also gather someone tried to rewrite it for Nebraska, but they didn't have enough rivers to finish a verse. - PJS
Recordings
- Art Thieme, "Down by the Embarass" (on Thieme02) (on Thieme05)
References
- Randolph 201, "The Brazos River" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, RIVTEXAS*
- Roud #4764
- BI, R201