Don't Go Near The Water

Johnny Cash's song "Don't Go Near The Water" serves as a poignant warning about the environmental degradation of our natural water sources. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the once pristine waters that have now become polluted and unsafe. Cash begins by urging children to stay away from the water, highlighting the visible signs of pollution, such as dead fish on the shore. This imagery immediately sets a somber tone, emphasizing the severity of the issue at hand.

The song then traces the journey of water from the mountains, where it starts as cool, clear, and blue, down to the cities where it becomes dirty and grey. This transformation symbolizes the impact of human activity on the environment. The once pure water is poisoned and polluted as it flows through towns and cities, a metaphor for industrialization and urbanization's detrimental effects on nature. Cash's lyrics serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of preserving our natural resources.

In a touching personal anecdote, Cash recounts a fishing trip with his son, where the innocence of a child's desire to catch and eat fish is met with the harsh reality of pollution. The father's hesitation to let his son eat the fish due to safety concerns underscores the song's message about the far-reaching impacts of environmental neglect. This moment of father-son bonding turned cautionary tale adds a layer of emotional depth to the song, making the message even more compelling.

"Don't Go Near The Water" is not just a song but a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and address the environmental issues that threaten our natural world. Through his heartfelt lyrics, Johnny Cash implores us to take responsibility for the health of our planet and protect it for future generations.