The lyrics of "Down By The River" tell the story of a couple who escape from city life to spend a weekend camping by the river. However, their idyllic getaway is disrupted by the discovery of environmental destruction caused by human activities.

Meaning of "Down By The River" by Albert Hammond

"Down By The River" reflects on the impact of human actions on the environment. The lyrics paint a picture of a peaceful retreat disrupted by the sight of a dead fish and a warning from a doctor about the pollution caused by factories. The song highlights the ignorance and apathy of people towards nature, leading to the degradation of the riverbanks and the death of wildlife. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental neglect and the loss of the natural world due to human negligence.