"Down by the Water" is a song by English alternative rock musician PJ Harvey. It is the seventh track and lead single from her third studio album To Bring You My Love, released in February 1995 on Island Records. The song was written by Harvey and self-produced with Flood and John Parish.

The song diverged significantly from Harvey's former indie rock and punk blues influence, opting to use electronic instruments such as a synthesized organ and an orchestral ensemble. "Down by the Water"'s lyrics narrate the tale of a woman drowning her daughter and references the traditional American folk song "Salty Dog Blues."

"Down by the Water" was Harvey's mainstream breakthrough in the United States, where the song reached number 2 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart and received extensive rotation on MTV and college radio stations. The song received critical acclaim upon its release, charting in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Composition

"Down by the Water" was written by Harvey and self-produced with Flood and John Parish. The song opens with vocals and a heavy organ played by Harvey. As the song progresses, it incorporates several elements including percussion instruments, drums and an orchestral ensemble. Pete Thomas conducted the string arrangements for the song and the musicians in the ensemble included Sonia Slany on violin, Jocelyn Pook and Jules Singleton on viola, and Sian Bell on cello. The song derives elements from blues and electronica, due to notable use of synthesized organ.