(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay is one of Otis Redding’s most famous songs, and was recorded shortly before he and most of his band were killed in a plane crash. The song was then released later in 1968, where it had great success and won awards, including two Grammys (Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance)
***
It would soon become the first posthumous number one hit in U.S. music chart history, and arguably the biggest pop hit of Redding’s career. “Dock of the Bay” is sampled in many popular songs, including tracks by De La Soul, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Blackalicious.
***
It has been covered by many artists including Tom Jones, Sara Bareilles, Little Richard, Glen Campbell, Cher, Michael Bolton, T. Rex (Ft. Gloria Jones), Pearl Jam, Joe Simon, Smith & Myers, Peggy Lee, Mongo Santamaria, Straight No Chaser, Jason Manns, Emma, David Allan Coe, Willie Nelson, The Reddings, Michael Bolton (again), A$AP Rocky, Billy Burnette, and Toshiyuki Miyama & The New Herd. It was also remixed by The Bay by Blowfly
***
I chose the song this week because of the lyrics:
Look 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, yes
***
I was also feeling a little melancholy. There has been nothing wrong with the week; just one of those week’s where the world seems to be turning fast and I was happy to let it turn whilst I sat there and watched it.
***
How has your week been? Enjoying yourselves still?
I hope next week works out well for each of you.
***
Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
***
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
***
I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the 'Frisco bay
'Cause I've had nothing to live for
And look like nothin's gonna come my way
***
So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
***
Look 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, yes
***
Sittin' here resting my bones
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home
***
Now, I'm just gonna sit at the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Oooo-wee, sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
***
*Whistling*
