Why 'Down by the River' is One of Neil Young's Most Controversial Songs

In his iconic song, 'Down by the River,' Neil Young tells a haunting story of murder and betrayal. The lyrics have been interpreted in many ways over the years, but what inspired Young to write such a dark and intense track?

According to Young himself, there was no real murder involved - it's all just a fictional tale. In an interview with Robert Greenfield in 1970, he claimed that 'there's no real murder in it.' However, this hasn't stopped fans from debating the meaning of the song for decades.

The lyrics tell the story of someone who takes his lover's life after feeling overwhelmed by the emotional highs and lows of their relationship. Young has explained the context behind the song, revealing that he wrote 'Down by the River' along with other tracks like 'Cinnamon Girl' and 'Cowgirl in the Sand' while delirious in bed at Topanga Canyon with a fever of 103 degrees.

The song was first released on Neil Young's 1969 album with Crazy Horse, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. Since then, it has become one of his most beloved - and controversial - tracks. Despite the controversy, 'Down by the River' remains a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the darker side of human nature.

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