The following is a comparison–contrast of two songs: Randy Newman’s “Burn on, big river, burn on” and Bob Dylan’s “Watch the river flow”
Randy Newman’s “Burn on, big river, burn on” is literally about when the polluted river water on the Cuyahoga River caught fire. On June 23, 1969, Cleveland's oily, contaminated Cuyahoga River caught fire. Flames climbed as high as five stories until fireboats brought it under control. The fire was attributed to wastes dumped into the river by the waterfront industries. "It was strictly a run of the mill fire" William E. Barry, chief of Cleveland Fire Department
Randy Newman’s lingering tongue to cheek satire of a very serious issue his piano and iconic voice and melody underscore “'Cause the Cuyahoga River Goes smokin' through my dreams.” As Newman stated during his performance in Berlin Germany 1996 concert “it’s a expense effect.”
“Watching The River Flow” Bob Dylan’s is confronting a metaphoric song of lack of stimulation to inspire. The songs subject matter of continuing dearth of inspiration, is performed in a refreshingly honest rhythm and blues fashion.
Bob Dylan’s legendary voice and harmonica shines in his great rhythem and blues performance "Watching the River Flow" this track is on his first greatest hits album. It was released as an independent single. Between March 16 and 19, 1971, Dylan reserved three days at Blue Rock Studios, a small studio in New York's Greenwich Village. These sessions were produced by Leon Russell of Mad Dogs and Englishmen fame.
Randy Newman lyrics "Burn on, big river, burn on."
Bob Dylan – Lyrics "Watching the river flow."
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