The Bridge Washed Out
Rick Nelson · Country Fever [Decca] [1967]
The bridge washed out I can't swim
And my baby's on the other side.
When I awoke this a morning
The rain was a pouring down
I was gonna wed the little river girl
Just over the bridge across town.
Now I'm a runnin' up and down the river
And my nerves are drivin' me wild
Because the bridge washed out I can't swim
And my baby's on the other side.
Rain, oh, rain stop a fallin'
Sark clouds hurry from the sky
The preacher and my bride are waitin'
And the weddin' bells are startin' to chime.
I can't kiss and hold her
And it's drivin' me out of my mind
'Cause the bridge washed out I can't swim
And my baby's on the other side.
--- Instrumental ---
Now I got one foot in the river
One foot solid on the ground
I try to swim that ragin' old river
But I know if I try I'd drown.
There's not a boat around me
They walked on out with the tide
'Cause the bridge washed out I can't swim
And my baby's on the other side
'Cause the bridge washed out I can't swim
And my baby's on the other side...
The Bridge Washed Out
Rick Nelson's "The Bridge Washed Out" stands as a defining track from his 1967 album *Country Fever*, marking a pivotal shift in his musical identity. While best known for his rock and roll hits, this recording embraces a warmer, more acoustic country sound that reflected the evolving folk-rock trends of the late 1960s. The song features Nelson's signature smooth vocals and a melodic structure that bridges his earlier pop success with a deeper, more reflective tone. Released during a period where artists were increasingly incorporating country instrumentation into their rock arrangements, the track showcases his versatility as a performer. It remains a notable example of his work in the country genre, offering a distinct contrast to his earlier electric pop recordings and highlighting his ability to adapt his style to different musical landscapes of the era.