Undertow

Story Behind The Song

Watching swimmers bobbing in Lake Michigan from a building several stories overhead, I pondered my mother's ongoing health challenges yet remarkable determination to persevere.

Song Length 3:54 Genre Blues - General
Tempo Medium (111 - 130) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Troubled Subject Frustration, Determination
Similar Artists Eric Clapton, JJ Cale Language English

Lyrics

My stroke was strong and steady when I used to cross this lake Those black and stormy waters receded in my wake But now my arms hang heavy and sag against the flow I'm bobbing on the surface and fighting off the undertow
I used to part the water like my old Labrador Chased that stick so often and fetched it back to shore And though my face is smiling, I'm thrashing down below Just bobbing on the surface and fighting off the undertow
The lifeguard's chair is empty, he's out to lunch I think And if he saw me drowning, he'd just offer me a drink Wish I could freeze this water, live like an Eskimo Stead of bobbing on the surface, and fighting off the undertow
My troubles stretch before me from sea to shining sea Those waves I once was making have started breaking me That smooth and sunny sailing seems so long ago Now I'm bobbing on the surface and fighting off the undertow
My path spreads out before me like driftwood on the beach Soon I'll be washing up there, my bones will dry and bleach Should I keep on fighting, or is it time to just let go? Ease beneath the surface, surrender to the undertow


Lyrics John Duggleby Music John Duggleby
Producer Dave Hopper

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