
“Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is one of Otis Redding’s most iconic songs and is widely regarded as a classic of soul music. Released in 1968, the song became his first posthumous hit after his tragic death in a plane crash that same year. It was written by Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper, and it marked a departure from his usual soul and gospel-infused style, blending elements of folk and rock.
Key Features of the Song:
- Melody and Arrangement: The song has a laid-back, reflective vibe, with a memorable whistling part at the end, which was added during the final recording session. The use of the whistle (which Redding had not originally planned) became a defining feature of the song.
- Lyrics: The lyrics express a sense of yearning and introspection, as Redding sings about sitting on the dock of a bay, watching the tide roll away. It reflects a feeling of melancholy and contemplation, suggesting that the narrator is struggling with feelings of displacement or dissatisfaction, perhaps contemplating life’s challenges or the loss of a loved one.
Famous Lines:

“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.”
The song’s theme of solitude and reflection struck a chord with many listeners, and it became a massive hit. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” went to number one on both the R&B and pop charts and remains one of Otis Redding’s signature songs.
Legacy:
Redding’s soulful delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics have made it an enduring classic. Even though Redding didn’t live to see its full success, the song became his first posthumous number one hit, and it’s often considered one of the greatest songs of all time. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of the 500 greatest songs of all time, and it continues to be a hallmark of Redding’s influential musical career.
Would you like to dive into more about the song’s history, its impact, or Otis Redding’s legacy?
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, yeahI’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’ timeI 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 waySo, 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’ timeLooks 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, listenSittin’ 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, nowI’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
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