The song has long been associated with the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 . However , that flood was at its worst some two months after the song was written . Study of Smith 's touring itinerary , of testimony of fellow entertainers who toured with her , and of contemporary reports indicates that the song was written in response to the flood that struck Nashville , Tennessee on Christmas Day 1926 . The Cumberland River , which flows through the city , rose above its normal level , still a record
Great Mississippi Flood of 1927
Great Mississippi Flood of 1927
Backwater Blues