Down by the waterline, timing’s right,
Male and female vocal duet with piano accompaniment only. Male voice raspy, characterful, slightly rough barroom tone. Female voice sweet, warm, charming, clear and lyrical. Upbeat ragtime groove with gritty upright piano, strong syncopation, short hammered notes, lively dockside energy. Catchy hook-focused melody, playful subtle tone. No additional instruments, no narration, no spoken directions. Emphasize vocal contrast, rhythmic bounce, earworm chorus, early jazz ragtime edge rather than polite salon style.
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Lyrics
Down by the waterline, timing’s right,
Travel light, step in time tonight.
Tag on the trunk reads just like mine —
Funny little twist of a traveling sign.
Call that name and heads both turn,
Some carry loads, some just learn,
Either way the rhythm stays,
Rolling through these harbor days.
Hey now, easy does it, don’t look back,
Leave the weight on the welcome track,
Some folks haul, some folks roam,
Same old name, different road home.
Same old sound in a different key,
What you move ain’t what moves me,
Hands stay free, heart stays quick,
Shuffle step, don’t miss the trick.
Call that name — hear it twice,
Once for work and once for life,
Coincidence? Maybe so…
Still makes a catchy little echo.
Down by the waterline, feel that beat,
Short sharp notes, steady feet,
Ships pull out, band plays on,
Name still ringing when you’re gone.
Same name, new horizon line,
Carry yours, I’ll carry mine.