Don't Go Near the Water (Sammy Kershaw song)

Don't Go Near the Water is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Sammy Kershaw. It was released in 1993 as the third single from his album Haunted Heart.

Background and Composition

The song is a heartbreak ballad, detailing the end of a relationship and warning the former lover to stay away from the singer, lest they be reminded of their pain. The lyrics utilize evocative imagery, possibly referencing a shared location by a body of water, symbolic of the depth of their emotions. The melody is slow and mournful, typical of Kershaw's style. While the precise details of the song's inspiration are not widely documented, it reflects a common theme in country music: loss and the difficulty of moving on.

Chart Performance

"Don't Go Near the Water" achieved significant success on the country music charts. It reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming a moderate hit for Kershaw. Its popularity solidified his position as a rising star in the country music scene during the early 1990s.

Legacy

While not one of Kershaw's most commercially successful songs, "Don't Go Near the Water" remains a fan favorite and a notable example of his songwriting ability and vocal style. It showcases his ability to convey raw emotion through his delivery and the song's poignant lyrics. It continues to be included in various compilations of his work.