Jon Fishman — What makes a great song?

“I heard someone say once that great lyrics make you think thoughts and great music makes you feel feelings, but a great song makes you feel thoughts. With this as my guiding criteria, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” epitomizes this sentiment. The lyrics encapsulate the concepts of discipline, perseverance, individuality, respect, a positive approach to life, and a reminder not to take it too seriously after all. Better, and in fewer words, than any self-help publication could ever hope to accomplish. This highly concentrated virtual psychovitamin recipe for a successful life is honeycoated in a melody so simple and sweet, most people can only dream of coming up with something like that on their own. To top it off, the whole package is metabolized like water as a small child and ages like a fine wine in your soul until the day you die. Pretty good song.”