Cruising Down The River was written in 1945 by Eily Beadell and Nell Tollerton , two middle-aged British women, and won a public song-writing competition. It was first recorded by Lou Preager and his Orchestra and released in 1946, becoming one of the biggest hits of the year in the UK - both in terms of record sales, and also sheet music sales. It has been re-recorded by many different artists over the subsequent decades, making it instantly recognisable to countless people. This classic song h...