The lyrics from the 1960s song “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” were co-written by Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. That song kept ringing in my spirit last week. Always, when I hear clear messages in my spirit, I can assure you, it is the Lord leading and guiding me to my article for the week. Let’s talk about how so many have sat around, just watching the tide roll in and out, wasting time. Nothing planned, nothing changing, just watching the tides roll in and out, wasting time.
Let’s look at what the lyrics are saying: “Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun; I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ come; Watchin’ the ships roll in. And I’ll watch ’em 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.”
And he continues with negative thoughts, saying: “Looks like nothin’s gonna change, Everythin’ still remain the same. I can’t do what 10 people tell me to do. So I guess I’ll remain the same, yes. Sittin’ here restin’ my bones. And this loneliness won’t leave me alone.”
This song was first recorded by Redding in 1967, days before his death on Dec. 10, 1967. He died in a plane crash in Wisconsin. Everyone onboard was killed except the trumpeter in the band. In fact, that song was released posthumously, becoming the first posthumous single to top the charts in the U.S.
In August 1967, while sitting on a rented houseboat in Sausalito, California, Redding started writing the lyrics to the song. He completed the writing with the help of Stax producer Cropper, who was also guitarist in Booker T and the M.G.’s. The song incorporates seagull sounds and the sounds of waves crashing on the shore — very realistic.
Tragically, just three days after Redding and band members finished the final refinements of the song, Redding, five band members and the pilot died in a plane crash that landed in Lake Monona, Wisconsin. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became the first posthumous single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard music charts.
What’s my point? Redding talks about 10 people telling him what to do, and since he can’t do what they are all saying, he chooses to do nothing, except sit on the dock of the San Francisco Bay and waste time, watching the tides roll away and watch them come back again.
It is as if he was sending a message to anybody listening who may not be utilizing their time wisely. He certainly made the most of his time. In 2008, Rolling Stone listed Redding among the top 10 greatest singers of all time. Were the lyrics of that song talking to you? We came to do the Lord’s work, not what all of the people in our lives are telling us to do. I’m suggesting you be about your Father’s business, as Jesus Christ did when he was a boy. He said in Luke 2:49, “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (KJV)
Let nothing separate you from the love of Jesus and the things He is doing in your life. Stop wasting time!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
