By Otis Redding

Sittin’ in the morning sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evening comes
Watching the ships roll in
Then I 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

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 a 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
2,000 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

Just three days after recording this song, Otis Redding and all but one of his band members and the pilot died in a plane crash while heading to a concert.

He was described as vigorous, trustworthy, full of fun and a successful businessman. He was active in philanthropic projects. His keen interest in black youth led to plans for a summer camp for

disadvantaged children.

He came from a poor family. He quit school at age 15 to help support his family. He was married before age 20. So just from that you can feel where he came from. You can read his bio on Wikipedia.

What struck me to post this was because the song is such a sad song. All his family and musicians and producers didn’t want him to record it, but I feel there was something in his heart telling him to do otherwise, because he insisted it would be a hit. The reason I believe it was a hit was because it resonated in the hearts of so many people that grew up with no hope in their lives.

Had he lived left me to wonder if he would have been a beacon of light for so many young people with his camp. I wonder how many have been touched by his song. How did it help them if at all.

I would like to say this one thing. If you’re at the bottom of the barrel, rock bottom, or however you want to say it there is nowhere to go but up. I know that’s a difficult thing to do because I’ve been there. But to those that read this, it can be done, because I’ve seen it done. If you have nothing to lose, then go for the heights. It’s not the falling down that will bring victory. It’s the getting up. And that is no matter how many times you fall. The getting up is what brings that victory over circumstances that pushes us down.

Please remember that you don’t have to give in to the darkness that surrounds you at this very moment. Get up. Get active. Go talk to someone you trust. And most of all talk to God. He really does listen. And He really does answer.