Sitting by the Riverside — The Kinks

"Sitting by the Riverside" — from VGPS (1968). The contemplative moment beside the water.

Just sitting down by the riverside,

Spreading my arms to the open wide.

Now I am free and the world's at my feet.

I can close my eyes.

Oh Love, keep me warm, keep me satisfied.

Please keep me calm, keep me pacified.

Now I'm content and my life is complete.

I can close my eyes.

Sitting by the riverside with you.

I love sitting down by the riverside,

Watching the water go flowing by.

Oh, golly gee, it is heaven to be

Like a willow tree.

Spend my time just drinking wine while looking at the view.

From The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968). The riverside — the village green's most meditative location, where time moves differently — is the album's quietest and most reflective moment.