About The Song
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a song co-written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper in 1967, released posthumously in 1968, shortly after Redding’s death in a plane crash. The song became the first posthumous number-one single in the United States. Its lyrics depict a person sitting by the dock, observing ships coming and going, conveying a sense of longing and contemplation. The song’s relaxed melody and Redding’s emotive vocals contribute to its enduring popularity. “Dock of the Bay” showcases Otis Redding’s versatility, blending soul, R&B, and elements of folk music.
Video
Lyrics
Sittin’ in the morning sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evening comes
Watching the ships roll in
Then I watch them roll away again, yeah
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time
I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the Frisco Bay
‘Cause I’ve had nothing to live for
And look like nothing’s gonna come my way
So, I’m just gon’ sit on the dock of the bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time
Looks like nothing’s gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can’t do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I’ll remain the same, listen
Sittin’ here resting my bones
And this loneliness won’t leave me alone, listen
Two thousand miles I roam
Just to make this dock my home, now
I’m just gon’ sit at the dock of a bay
Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh
Sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time