Brownie Macintosh

(c) 1977 Margard Music and Timber Grove Music, BMI
All Rights Reserved

Song Specific Liner Notes

Covers by other artists

Song lyrics

Hi Bob!
Rolling River, like many songs has its own story. Thanks for asking.

I wrote the song in May of 1977. I was playing in a folk group at the time, and living on the ocean in New Hampshire. I noticed a certain current in the water one morning while walking the beach. It looked like a river in the middle of the sea. I walked back up to the house, and wrote the song in about a half hour.

Upon completion, my own group used it very successfully, but I knew it was a Kingston Trio song. I met them on the road in late 77 or 78 and gave Shane a cassette of the song. Nothing Happened. A couple years later, I pitched it to them again, and again nothing. In the early 80s, I met Van Dyke Parks, who's brother Carson was starting a jingle business with George Grove. They asked me to join them, as I was writing jingles up here. During that time, I pitched the song to George again, and his reply was that it was a good Trio song for the 1960s, but didn't fit in the scheme of things then. A few years later, a reunion was planned with Dave Guard and John Stewart and the current (at the time) Trio. I knew Dave rather well and called him to ask if I could offer some songs I gave Dave about 5 or 6 songs, among them Rolling River and another called "The Bonnie Lady." Dave was really high on both of them. Nick and George and I were interviewed on a radio program a couple years ago, before we all played a concert together, and Nick told the following story: Before the Reunion, He, Bob Shane, George, Dave, and John set out to find some songs. Each member made a tape of their suggestions for each other member. Upon everyone hearing everyone's suggestions, each made a list of what they felt were the best choices. Rolling River and Bonnie Lady showed up on all 5 lists. I was really floored to hear it. Well Dave's cancer got the best of him, and the tour and the record deal were off. I then sort of chalked off my chances of ever getting the Trio to record one of my songs, and moved on.

A couple years went by, and shortly after I lost my dad, I got a letter from George, saying that the KT was planning a live album, and they were considering 5 of my songs. He asked if he were successful in getting the trio to record one or more, if he could have half of the publishing rights, and to let him know soon because the recording was just days away. I called immediately and said "Yes".

After hanging up the phone, I decided to not get to "high" because it might not happen, so I actually forgot about it. About 10 days went by and I was driving down from Maine after spending the day with my (then) new partner Julie. Julie and I were getting to know each other, and working at having a go as a team. I got home, I remember after supper standing in the kitchen and cracking a beer, and began to think about what I was doing for the rest of my life. Here I was with a new partner, and as I mentioned I had lost my dad 2 months earlier, and all that was still very present. Suddenly the phone rang, it was George between shows in Las Vegas. and I will never forget his words.. "We recorded your song last night at the Crazy Horse, and it blew the doors off the club. its a huge hit, and its become a Kingston Trio Song." Well I damn near fell off of the kitchen counter I was sitting on. And that is the story of Rolling River, and the beginning of an incredible friendship with George. We are as close as brothers.

As a footnote, I also sent the song to The Irish Rovers in 1980. I got a letter back typed onto my own letter from a secretary saying "Thanks but No Thanks" I knew that something wasn't right here, and sent the song again along with a newer one "The Bonnie Lady" this time they got into the right hands and the Rovers toured with the songs, and recorded them on records/tapes/cds, as well as using both on their TV series, with Bonnie Lady being shot as a music video in Ireland.

So far (that I know of) I have gotten four nationally or internationally distributed records with Bonnie Lady; The Rovers, Charlie Zahm (who did a great and very spirited version) Julie and me with our second children's book "A Pirates life For Me", and Kim Nazarian with The New York Voices from her children's show "Long Ago and Far Away".

Rolling River has two international releases, The KT and The Rovers. I have had many other songs done by a number of artists, but these 2 have by far been my biggest moneymakers.

Anyway Bob, I hope I didn't bore you with all this, but since you asked, I wanted to tell you the story. Feel free to share it with anyone that you think might be interested . . .

all best,
Brownie

This song has the added bonus of being from a live album..In the recording "Live From the Crazy Horse", you can hear the audience clapping and cheering throughout this piece. Bob Shane's opening verse is as vibrant as any Trio recording from the '60's. The chorus is catchy and hummable..dangerously so that one could have this in the head at three in the morning if you are not careful.

After the chorus, George Grove's verse begins, he takes command of the lyrics and brings it on home so well that the audience let's out one huge cheer by the end . . .

Nick doesn't have a verse to call his own but he adds his trademark high harmony part on the chorus. George gets a chance to let his banjo prowess shine throughout.

This song reflects a Trio fans ultimate dream . . . listen to your hero's when you are young, write for them when you are older and be enthralled in their gift when they record YOUR song.

I once called Brownie Macintosh a "Trio Prophet" . . . I still believe that . . .This song is destined to be a classic and deserves all the accolades it and the writer receive . . .

I have been travelin' hard for such a long time,
searchin' for something, something to call mine.
I can see your waters splashing and it's almost like a song.
I can listen to your music all night long.

Chorus

If my body's feelin' restless like your hurried waters flow,
when I'm longin' to go somewhere but I've got no where to go.
Pack my dreams up in my guitar case and sings these words I know,
rollin' river take me with you when you go.

Chorus

Rollin' river take me with you when you go.

Last revised: March 30, 2006.