B-side "Borrowed Time" Recorded 1979 Length 3:10 | Released March 16, 1980 Genre Folk Label A&M | |
"Boat on the River" is a 1979 song by Styx, from their album Cornerstone. It was released as a single in 1980, but did not chart in the band's native United States. However, it was popular in several German-speaking countries, becoming a top-five hit on the German, Austrian and Swiss charts (reaching number one on the latter.)
The song features Tommy Shaw on lead vocals and mandolin, with Dennis DeYoung accompanying on accordion and backing vocals. In the video for the song, Chuck Panozzo, John Panozzo, and James Young play bowed double bass, tambourine/bass drum and acoustic guitar respectively.
Allmusic reviewer Mike DeGagne praised both "Boat on the River" and fellow Cornerstone single "Lights" retrospectively for their "silky harmonies and welcoming choruses." While not as big of a hit as "Babe" (which hit #1 in the US), the song was Styx's biggest European hit.
The song has been covered by Cat Stevens, Seventh Avenue, Guano Apes, and Riki Sorsa in Finland.
Track listings
7" Single
- Boat on the River – 3:10
- Borrowed Time – 4:58