Drink the Water
Jack Johnson · Brushfire Fairytales (2001)
This time I know I'm bound to spit it back up
I didn't want this salty substitute
just not going to do, I need some air
if I'm going to live through
this experience reminds me of a clock that just won't tick
I want to wake up from this concussion
but my dream is just not done - I'm late again
it's just one of those bad days
look outside and peek out for what you ride you just might find
that you're out of time to swim ashore
if I drift long enough I'll be home
He's got illusions between his ears, man, takes up too much space
and all that tension between his gears, man, he never ever leave this place
he's got stones instead of bones and everybody knows
aw, man, that can make you real real slow
and if heaven were below, you'd know just where to go
dive in the ocean and he'd sink like a stone
and he said, it's time to swim ashore
If I drift long enough I'll be home
hold on if you can, you're going to sink faster than you can imagine so
hold on if you can, you're going to sink faster than you can imagine so
it's just time to swim ashore
if I drift long enough I'll be home
Drink the Water
Drink the Water stands as a defining track from Jack Johnson's 2001 album, Brushfire Fairytales. Emerging during a period when Johnson was transitioning from professional surfing to a full-time music career, the song captures the laid-back, acoustic-driven sound that would come to define his discography. The recording features his signature gentle guitar work and relaxed vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere that resonates with fans of folk and soft rock. As part of an album that helped establish his reputation for crafting accessible, melodic tunes, the track reflects the organic songwriting style Johnson developed early in his recording career. It remains a staple in his live performances, showcasing the effortless charm and melodic simplicity that characterize his broader body of work.