riverboat song riff

The Riverboat Song Tab

Ocean colour scene.

• Latest added
• Request a video
• Submit chord / tab
• Submit tutorial
• Submit riff lesson
• Chord dictionary
• Tutorials & lessons
• Learn to play guitar
• Guitar scales
• Riff lessons
• Billion chords
• Why premium account?
• Video lessons
• Backing tracks
• Guitar chord editor
• Chords explorer
• Guitar chord library
• Personal chord library
• Free bonus gifts
•  Login
• Sign up Premium
• Sign up Free

Ocean Colour Scene

Riverboat song.

by   HIGGINS55

there isn't a video lesson for this song

E-Chords uses cookies for functional and analytical purposes. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.

• 🎥 Popular Soundtracks Chords
• 🎸 Top Rock Guitar And Ukulele Chords
• 🎤 Top Popular Songs Guitar And Ukulele Chords
• Foxys Folk Faced tab
• Step By Step tab
• Day We Caught The Train tab
• Man In The Middle tab
• How About You chords
• Robin Hood tab

Ocean Colour Scene – Riverboat Song tab

Need rating details

Please explain why did you choose such low rating for this tab.

• Lack of formatting
• Lack of accuracy
• Incomplete tab
• Clearly wrong
• I just don't like it, no special reason

• Login/register
• Public books
• My song book

The Riverboat Song   Ocean Colour Scene

Important : The song above is NOT stored on the Chordie server. The original song is hosted at www.xguitar.com . Chordie works as a search engine and provides on-the-fly formatting. Chordie does not index songs against artists'/composers' will. To remove this song please click here.

Rate #2 of 3 versions

Jango player.

Song added to songbook

Login - add to songbook, share page  , you need to log in to post comments.

The Meaning Behind The Song: The Riverboat Song by Ocean Colour Scene

Table of Contents

“The Riverboat Song” is the lead single and opening track of Ocean Colour Scene’s second album, 1996’s Moseley Shoals. The song helped launch OCS into the mainstream, having been popularised by Chris Evans who used it extensively on the hit TV show, TFI Friday. It eventually reached No. 15 in the UK singles chart.

The song takes its main riff and many lyrics from Led Zeppelin’s “Four Sticks.” This integration of musical elements from Led Zeppelin adds depth and a familiar touch to the song, allowing Ocean Colour Scene to pay homage to their musical influences while creating their own unique sound.

Personally, “The Riverboat Song” holds a special place in my heart. As a teenager in the 90s, I was heavily influenced by the Britpop movement, and Ocean Colour Scene was one of my favorite bands at the time. Their soulful blend of rock and pop resonated with me, and their songs became the soundtrack to my adolescence.

When I first heard “The Riverboat Song,” I was immediately captivated by its infectious energy and catchy hooks. The opening riff drew me in, and Simon Fowler’s powerful vocals took the song to another level. It became one of those songs that I couldn’t help but sing along to, even if I didn’t quite understand the deeper meaning behind the lyrics.

Upon closer examination, “The Riverboat Song” reveals themes of duality and self-reflection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a river running red, symbolizing a turbulent and conflicted state of mind. The river becomes a metaphor for the complexities of life and the internal struggles that we all face.

In the first verse, the lyrics describe seeing double and observing a riverboat swaying under the sun. This imagery sets the tone for the song, introducing the idea of conflicting perspectives and choices. The reference to a king stalking the wings and shooting a dove, only to free an eagle instead, signifies the struggle between selfishness and nobility, between chasing personal desires and doing what is right.

The pre-chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and decisions, stating that it’s more or less the same as the things that were said. This repetition highlights the idea that history repeats itself, and we often find ourselves facing similar challenges and making similar choices.

In the second verse, the lyrics delve deeper into the consequences of our actions. The trouble up the road represents the aftermath of decisions made based on selfish desires, leading to the loss of love and a sense of cheating on one’s own soul. The best and worst thoughts that lose control reveal the inner turmoil that comes with conflicting desires and the struggle to find balance.

The chorus poses questions about the river not flowing and the river running red. These inquiries speak to a sense of frustration and confusion. Despite all the experiences and knowledge gained, the river remains stagnant and tainted. It raises existential questions about the purpose and meaning of life, and why despite our efforts, we often find ourselves stuck in repetitive patterns.

The third verse continues to explore the complexities of communication and the impact of our words. The failure to express oneself honestly becomes a source of trouble, symbolized by a king stalking the wings and shooting the moon and stars, representing unattainable goals and unrealized dreams.

As the song progresses, the message becomes clear – life is a continuous struggle, filled with contradictions and unanswered questions. We are often torn between conflicting desires, and despite our best efforts, we find ourselves trapped in cycles of repetition.

Yet, despite the underlying melancholy and introspection, “The Riverboat Song” remains an uplifting and anthemic track. Its infectious melody and powerful instrumentation create a sense of liberation and celebration, reminding us that even amidst the complexities of life, there is joy to be found.

In conclusion, “The Riverboat Song” by Ocean Colour Scene is a song that captures the essence of the human condition. It explores themes of duality, self-reflection, and the repetitive nature of life. It is a reminder that despite the challenges we face, there is always hope and a reason to keep moving forward. This song is a testament to the timeless power of music to touch our souls and provide comfort and understanding in times of uncertainty.

Explore More Song Meanings

About The Author

Christy Harris

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Beginner Lesson #1
• Practice This Daily
• Bass Setup Guide
• How to Slap
• Scales Made Simple
• Are You Intermediate?
• Killer Bass Fills
• Finger Exercises
• Learn Your Fretboard
• Are You Fretting Wrong?
• List of requests
• Make a request
• The introductions thread!
• How to change profil picture and pseudo ?
• Approval Delay ?!?!?!
• Fixing the spam
• Is it worth fixing my bass
• Ocean Colour Scene bass tabs
• Riverboat Song Accurate, And Complete bass tabs

Ocean Colour Scene — Riverboat Song Accurate, And Complete bass tabs

Post a comment

• Artists add

Ocean Colour Scene

Riverboat song, riverboat song lyrics.

It could mean: I see two riverboats ( parts of yourself )...is where the river runs red (you’re just hurting yourself if you keep on separate these parts of yourself). “Anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow Anyway for all the things you said tell me why does the river run red Anyway for all the things you've seen tell me when will the river run green” You should understand/tell me why does the river not flow/runs red before you can make that river run green. If you don’t try to cope the reason why you’re doing this to yourself (I see double) you’ll found out to be what you promised yourself you’ll never be (that’s my trouble). It reminds me of J.S.Mill “..Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign."

This song became famous when used as the theme song for Chris evan's TFI Friday. Its a superb song but i always feel a bit sick when i hear it as i remember this was their opening song when i saw them live at a festival, i got so badly crushed by all the crazy fans that i was in tears. It was great fun though!!!

Why is no one posting about this song?!! Its AMAZING!! havent got a clue wot it means tho, only bad thing is most people associate with chris evans now! GIIINNNNNGGGEEEERRRR!!!!

I'm with scouseluke, awesome band and a great riff.

I reckon this band singer thinks he's Lennon, fair bit of similarity in voice and singing styles. Pretty cool band.

• ABBREVIATIONS
• BIOGRAPHIES
• CALCULATORS
• CONVERSIONS
• DEFINITIONS

      PDF       Playlist    

The Riverboat Song

Ocean colour scene.

About The Riverboat Song

"The Riverboat Song" is a song by British band Ocean Colour Scene. The song is heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin's "Four Sticks", from which it takes its main riff and a number of lyrics. The song is notable in that it is in 6/8 swing time, and not the more common 4/4 time normally used in rock music. The song was popularised by Radio 1 DJ Chris Evans, who played it frequently on his radio shows and to introduce guests on his television programme TFI Friday. As a result, having been released in February 1996, it reached number 15 in the UK Singles Chart, paving the way for the success of the next two singles, "You've Got It Bad" (7) and "The Day We Caught the Train" (4) and the album Moseley Shoals.   more »

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

 become a better singer in only 30 days , with easy video lessons.

Ocean Colour Scene (often abbreviated to OCS) are an English Britpop band formed in Moseley, Birmingham in 1989. They have had five Top 10 albums and six Top 10 singles to date. more »

Follow 1 fan

Sheet Music       PDF     Playlist  

Written by: DAMON MINCHELLA, OSCAR LLOYD HARRISON, SIMON FOWLER, STEPHEN CRADOCK

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

10 facts about this song

Discuss the The Riverboat Song Lyrics with the community:

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

You need to be logged in to favorite .

Create a new account.

Your name: * Required

Your email address: * Required

Pick a user name: * Required

Username: * Required

Password: * Required

Forgot your password?    Retrieve it

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style: MLA Chicago APA

"The Riverboat Song Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Aug. 2024. < https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/13511943/Ocean+Colour+Scene/The+Riverboat+Song >.

Missing lyrics by Ocean Colour Scene?

Know any other songs by ocean colour scene don't keep it to yourself, image credit, the web's largest resource for, music, songs & lyrics, a member of the stands4 network, watch the song video, more tracks from the album, filmed from the front row.

• #1 The Riverboat Song
• #2 You've Got It Bad
• #3 The Day We Caught the Train
• #4 The Circle
• #5 Hundred Mile High City
• #7 Better Day
• #8 It's a Beautiful Thing
• #9 Profit in Peace
• #12 Up on the Downside
• #13 Mechanical Wonder
• #14 Crazy Low Down Ways
• #17 One for the Road
• #21 Travellers Tune
• #22 Get Blown Away
• #24 One of Those Days

Browse Lyrics.com

Are you a music master, "faithfully" is the title of what band, our awesome collection of, promoted songs.

Get promoted 

Free, no signup required :

Add to chrome, add to firefox, on radio right now.

Powered by OnRad.io

Miranda Lambert Says Her Husband Cried A Little When He First Heard The Song He Helped Write, “Dammit Randy”

His first ever co-write.

Miranda Lambert  is gearing up to release her new album Postcards From Texas with a brand new label, after leaving longtime label Sony last year.

Now signed to Republic, Miranda went back to her Texas roots and co-produced the record alongside Jon Randall, and recorded all of the songs at Austin’s legendary Arlyn Recording Studios. She’s described it as “honky tonk as hell,” and I really believe it’s shaping up to be one of her best albums yet.

And while Miranda penned a lot of the songs with frequent collaborators in Luke Dick, Jack Ingram, Natalie Hemby and more, there’s a brand new co-writer featured on one of the already-released singles, “Dammit Randy” which is her husband, Brendan McLoughlin.

When I first read the writing credits for that song a little while back, I was surprised to see Brendan’s name and wondered how much writing he actually did… and it sounds like he did quite a bit.

On a recent episode of Bunnie XO’s  Dumb Blonde podcast, Miranda told the story of what happened, and how it all started out when Brendan was talking some sh*t one day to Miranda and her co-writer, Jesse Frasure:

“My husband got his first cut on any record ever, and disclaimer, my husband is a retired police officer, not a songwriter. One day he was just talking sh*t to Jesse Frasure, he was like, ‘Writing’s not that hard! It’s easy.’ Jesse was like, ‘Oh, okay.’

So he made Brendan come in and do a literal write with me, and Jesse and Brendan. Like, he had tracks pulled up and he made Brendan sit there… he came from the golf course, he was in his golf outfit, and we were there for like four and a half hours, writing. I mean, it’s a lot. And he was like, ‘Oh, it is really hard.’ He taught him a lesson.”

So that was his first go at it, but not actually the session where they wrote “Dammit Randy.”

A while later, Jon and Miranda were doing some “pre-production” at her house (talking and drinking tequila) and naturally, started writing a song that was inspired by Miranda’s feelings about leaving Sony and a situation that no longer served her.

Before long, Brendan was piping in while watching a football game, putting those newfound songwriter skills to good use:

“We started writing this song, and Brendan kept piping in while he was watching football, and I was like, ‘Are we doing this? Are you in our out? You’re gonna have to turn the game off. You’re a songwriter, so get your pen out.’

We started writing it together, and he wrote some of the greatest lines in the song. And JR was looking at me like, he’s killing it.

It was really special, actually, because also the situation I wrote this song about, Brendan is my husband, so he’s had to hear me b*tch about it for so long that he kind of knew the story better than I did, you know? So he had the same emotion in it that I did and I’m real proud of him.”

Miranda told Bunnie that Brendan’s really excited about his first cut, and that he actually got a little “misty eyed” when she told him they’d cut it and played it for him for the first time:

“He’s super excited about it, too, like he came in in the afternoon and I was like, ‘I wanna play you something.’ Push play, and he’s like, he won’t say it but he got a little misty-eyed.

He was like, ‘You cut my song?’ It was awesome, and it’s one of my favorites on the record.'”

I think I’d shed some tears, too. I mean, what a cool moment, and it’s honestly really cool how that all played out so naturally and completely on accident, really.

I tend to agree with Miranda in that it’s one of my favorites from what I’ve heard so far off the album, too, and maybe Brendan has a future in songwriting now… who knew:

@dbpodcast #mirandalambert #podcast ♬ original sound – Dumb Blonde Podcast

And if you haven’t heard the song yet, I know you’ll want to after reading that story:

Postcards from Texas  Tracklist:

“Armadillo” (Aaron Raitiere, Jon Decious, Parker Twomey) “Dammit Randy” (Miranda Lambert, Brendan McLoughlin, Jon Randall) “Looking Back on Luckenbach” (Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby) “Santa Fe” feat. Parker McCollum (Miranda Lambert, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon) “January Heart” (Brent Cobb, Neil Medley) “Wranglers” (Audra Mae, Evan McKeever, Ryan Carpenter) “Run” (Miranda Lambert) “Alimony” (Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally) “I Hate Love Songs” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall) “No Man’s Land” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick) “Bitch On The Sauce (Just Drunk)” (Miranda Lambert, Jaren Johnston) “Way Too Good At Breaking My Heart” (Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Jesse Frasure, Jenee Fleenor) “Wildfire” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall) “Living On The Run” (David Allen Coe, Jimmy L. Howard)

MORE FROM WHISKEY RIFF

WHISKEY RIFF RAFF PODCAST

WHISKEY RIFF SHOP

STAY ENTERTAINED

A riff on what country is really about.

Never Miss Out