About The Song
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a timeless soul classic released in 1968 by the legendary Otis Redding. Written and composed by Redding himself, the song showcases his soulful vocals and introspective lyrics.
The song’s title is a direct reference to Redding’s favorite pastime, spending time on the dock of his home in Monterey, California. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a peaceful day by the water, filled with the sounds of nature and the feeling of contentment. Redding reflects on his life, expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures and the beauty of the world around him.
The song’s arrangement is minimalist, featuring a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and Redding’s soulful vocals. The instrumentation allows his voice to take center stage, conveying the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics. The song’s repetitive chorus, “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay, watchin’ the tide roll away,” serves as a powerful anchor, grounding the listener in the peaceful setting.
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was recorded shortly before Redding’s tragic death in a plane crash in December 1967. The song was posthumously released as a single and quickly became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message, Redding’s soulful performance, and the song’s ability to evoke feelings of peace and tranquility.
Beyond its commercial success, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” has also had a significant cultural impact. It has been covered by countless artists, including Michael Bolton, Eric Clapton, and Norah Jones, solidifying its status as a soul music standard. The song’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to Redding’s talent, his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, and the timeless power of his music.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
I’ll be sittin’ when the evening comes
Watching the ships roll in
Then I watch them roll away again, yeahI’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ timeI left my home in Georgia
Headed for the Frisco Bay
‘Cause I’ve had nothing to live for
And look like nothing’s gonna come my waySo, I’m just gon’ sit on the dock of the bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ timeLooks like nothing’s gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can’t do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I’ll remain the same, listenSittin’ here resting my bones
And this loneliness won’t leave me alone, listen
Two thousand miles I roam
Just to make this dock my home, nowI’m just gon’ sit at the dock of a bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
Sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time