About The Song
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a soulful and iconic song by the legendary Otis Redding. Here are some details about the song:
Background:
- Artist: Otis Redding
- Release Date: January 8, 1968
- Genre: Soul, R&B
- Label: Volt (a subsidiary of Stax Records)
Musical Style and Influence:
- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is characterized by its soulful vocals, poignant lyrics, and a laid-back rhythm. The song features a unique combination of soul, R&B, and a touch of folk influence.
- Otis Redding co-wrote the song with Steve Cropper, who also played guitar on the track.
Recording and Release:
- The song was recorded just days before Otis Redding’s tragic death in December 1967. It was released posthumously in 1968.
- Redding’s whistling at the end of the song was originally intended as a placeholder for additional lyrics, but it became an iconic and integral part of the recording.
Lyrics:
- The lyrics of the song reflect a sense of contemplation and yearning. The protagonist is sitting on the dock, reflecting on life and expressing a mix of loneliness and resignation.
Chart Performance:
- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became one of Otis Redding’s most successful and enduring songs. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Legacy:
- The song is considered a classic in the soul genre and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time.
- It received critical acclaim and has been covered by numerous artists in various genres.
Grammy Awards:
- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” received two posthumous Grammy Awards in 1969 for Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Cultural Impact:
- The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, contributing to its enduring presence in popular culture.
In summary, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is a timeless soul classic that captures the essence of introspection and longing. Otis Redding’s emotive delivery and the song’s distinctive sound have cemented its place as one of the most beloved and influential songs in the history of soul music.
Video
Lyrics
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”
Sittin’ in the morning sun
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’ time
Looks 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, listen
Sittin’ 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, now
I’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