the riverboat song meaning

The Riverboat Song

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I see double up ahead

I perceive a challenging situation in the near future

Where the riverboat swayed beneath the sun

Refers to a location where a riverboat moves gently in the sunlight

Is where the river runs red

Describes the river running red, possibly symbolizing conflict or danger

Like a King who stalks the wings and shoots a dove

Compares someone to a king making a decisive move, choosing freedom over restraint

And frees an eagle instead

Suggests a choice to release something powerful (eagle) instead of something fragile (dove)

It's more or less the same as the things that you said

Notes similarities between the current situation and past words spoken

I see trouble up the road

Anticipates trouble in the future

Like the things you found in love are by the way

Compares challenges to the complications found in love

And like to cheat on your soul

Suggests unfaithfulness to one's own essence or values

Like the best and worst of thoughts that lose control

Describes thoughts that spiral out of control, both positive and negative

Before you lie on your bed

Prepares for the consequences of actions before going to bed

Reiterates the similarity between current events and past statements

Anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow

Questions why the river does not flow despite knowing so much

Anyway for all the things you said tell me why does the river run red

Raises the same question about the river running red, pondering the contradiction

Anyway for all the things you've seen tell me when will the river run green

Asks when the river will turn green, perhaps a metaphor for positive change

And anyway for all the things you know tell me why does the river not flow

Repeats the question about the river not flowing, emphasizing the confusion

It's more or less the things you fail to say in your way that's your trouble

Blames communication issues as a source of trouble

Like a King who stalks the wings and shoots the moon and the stars

Compares someone to a king making powerful moves in both positive and negative directions

And his double

Highlights duality and contradiction in a person's actions

Reaffirms the resemblance between current events and past words

Repeats the question about the river not flowing, seeking understanding

Reiterates the query about the river running red, expressing confusion

Repeats the question about the river turning green, anticipating positive change

Restates the puzzle of the river not flowing, emphasizing the lack of clarity

I see trouble up ahead

Foresees trouble approaching once again

Where the river boat swayed beneath the sun

Revisits the scene of the riverboat beneath the sun, signaling a recurring theme

Reiterates the notion of the river running red, emphasizing a persistent challenge

I see double, that's my trouble

Acknowledges a sense of confusion or double vision as a personal challenge

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The River by Bruce Springsteen

Songfacts®:

• This song is based on conversations Springsteen had with his brother-in-law. After losing his construction job, he worked hard to support his wife and young child, but never complained.
• The shotgun wedding in the story relates to Springsteen's sister, who got married when she was still a teenager. She knew it was about her and her husband the first time she heard it.
• Always a champion of the working class, Springsteen has often spoken out against income inequality, which became a big political issue in the late '00s. Back in the '80s though, Springsteen was talking about it, and he often did so through the context of this song. At a show in Pittsburgh on September 22, 1984, he dedicated the song to union steelworkers in Pennsylvania who were fighting for better wages and working conditions. Said Springsteen: "There's something really dangerous happening to us out there. We're slowly getting split up into two different Americas. Things are gettin' taken away from people that need them and given to people that don't need them, and there's a promise getting broken. In the beginning the idea was that we all live here a little bit like a family, where the strong can help the weak ones, the rich can help the poor ones. I don't think the American dream was that everybody was going to make it or that everybody was going to make a billion dollars, but it was that everybody was going to have an opportunity and the chance to live a life with some decency and some dignity and a chance for some self-respect. So I know you gotta be feelin' the pinch down here where the rivers meet."
• The 1950 Hank Williams song " Long Gone Lonesome Blues " was an influence on "The River." Hank's song begins: I went down to the river to watch the fish swim by But I got to the river so lonesome I wanted to die And then I jumped in the river, but the doggone river was dry "He goes down to the river to jump in and kill himself, and he can't because it dried up," Springsteen told Dave Marsh in a 1981 interview published in Musician magazine. "That's where I got the chorus." "I love that old country music," he added. "There was a certain something in all that stuff that just seemed to fit in with things that I was thinking about, or worrying about. Especially the Hank Williams stuff. He always has all that conflict, he always has that real religious side, and the honky tonkin', all that side."
• Regarding this song, Springsteen wrote in the liner notes to his Greatest Hits album, "A breakthrough song for me. It was in the detail. One of the first of my story songs that eventually led to Nebraska ."
• Springsteen performed this for the first time on September 21 and 22, 1979 at the "No Nukes" concerts at Madison Square Garden. Springsteen headlined a show with James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Crosby, Stills & Nash as Musicians United for a Safe Energy (MUSE). This was the only new song he played at the shows. This performance at the "No Nukes" concerts was included in a film documenting the shows released in 1980.
• This was the title track to a double-album released in 1980. The year before, Springsteen recorded it for an album called The Ties That Bind , which he decided not to release. This and six other tracks from that album were included on The River .
• A long, intense version was featured on the 1999 E Street Band reunion tour.
• More songs from Bruce Springsteen
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• Lyrics to The River
• Bruce Springsteen Artistfacts

Comments: 37

• Anonymous from San Bernardino I grew up on sac river american river this song evokes those memorable days
• Dmytro from Ukraine This song is older than me but it still feels like a dive in the river.
• Delilah from Paramaribo, Suriname A dream that didn't come true means simply the reality of life and facing that may be hard and painful (at least to me). So the person regrets that it didn't 'happen' for him and for his wife, but in the end it did happen, for it is his life. A dried up river may point at the years that have passed or the end of someone's life.
• Cody from Windber, Pa Buy Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band live 1975 - 1985. The best part about that box set is the harmonica being played on The River.
• Ryan from Warren Ohio, This album changed my life. Just wanted to say that (not that anyone cares). But this song (along with the whole album) makes you think about who you are and what you've done and makes you look through yourself in the mirror. Thank you Bruce!
• Joe from Philadelphia, Pa The River is about his sister. He usually dedicates it to her when he plays it in concert.
• Tim from Clarkdale, Az One of the most beautifully crafted songs I've ever heard- the hopes dreams and excitement of his youth encapuslated into a perfect moment by the river on the eve of entire lifetime. Then the trials of real life overtake and begin to crush his dreams, slowly wearing him down until he grimly accepts his fate. But he will never forget.... If you listen to/read Fast Car by Tracy Chapman you will see that the theme and structure is exactly the same.
• Jennifer from Harrodsburg, Ky This tape was a gift for me my Senior year of High School. My girlfriend and I rode around with Bruce blasting in our radio. Thanks for the memories.Still 20 + years still a fan. J.Hume
• Mike from Johnstown, Pa This song continues the story of Mary, introduced in Thunder Road. The love he and Mary used to share dries up like the river they used to dive in during their courting days.
• Jennifer from Harrodsburg, Ky Growing up in the eighties my girlfriend had a black fiat. We rode around many a night listening to The River. We would ride around on cold nights cruising around our local hometown with the top down and the heater blowing wide open. Ha! Bruce thanks for the memories. jennifer harrodsburg ky
• Brad from Lexington, Ky "Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?" One of the most powerful and Haunting lines I have ever heard, and, like many Springsteen lyrics, can be interpreted many ways. I've always thought this line means that when your dreams are destroyed, you would be better off unable to dream at all. It could also mean that the only thing worse than a dream not coming true is losing your ability to dream at all. Either way, this song is one of my favorites of all time.
• Steve from Brisbane, Australia Life imitates art. My wife and I separated yesterday. We met at high school 25 years ago. Had a baby before I could say "so Rosy come out tonight", got married for a total outlay of $200 at 4 weeks notice and lurched between triumph and tragedy for a quarter of a century. We still love each other but Jackie (not Mary - that would be really bizarre) loves someone else too now. What a song, it has been putting a lump in my throat since our early days and now we're over, I'm drawn to it even more. SteveK.
• Ed from Chesapeake, Va I think this is one of the greatest songs ever written - every line is meaningful. To me, this song is an extension and finalization of images Springsteen used in earlier songs, such as Rosalita, Thunder Road, and Born to Run. In those songs, the singer and his girl were going to use their car to get away from whatever was holding them back, be it parents, school, a crummy job, etc. In The River, they took that car down to the river, where they could be free. However, in this song, reality sets in - Mary gets pregnant, they have a shotgun wedding, and he takes construction job. Whatever dreams they had for their young lives are gone, and years later those memories haunt him like a curse. I see the imagery of the river as a combination of the singer's youthful dreams and perhaps the American Dream. This may be a repetition of a cycle going on for generations, since down in the valley, "they bring you up to do like your daddy done."
• Brian from Chicago, Il I agree with Rhianne that the River is a metaphor for their spontaneous relationship. He makes a similar reference in "Hungry Heart." "Got a wife and kids in Baltimore Jack. I went out for a ride and I never went back. Like a river that don't know where it's flowin, I took a wrong turn and I just kept going." I think that song is about him having an affair that sweeps him away only to leave him high and dry.
• Tim from Raleigh, Nc There is only one thing worse than a dream not coming true: losing your capacity to dream. That's the reason the river is dry.
• Blake from London, United Kingdom I know what you mean, Bruce, for I too have often wondered about it. The song, to me, could almost pass as a lesson to not have affairs before marriage. I think that something as intimate as that should stay in marriage when you are properly bonded. If you want me to expand, please reply. But overall, this song is really great. It made number 25 of the most exquisitely sad songs ever, according to http://www.spinner.com/2007/05/03/the-25-most-exquisitely-sad-songs-in-the-whole-world-no-25/
• Bruce from Columbia, Sc Great song. I have always wondered about the something worse line. It has a forboding feel to it like something very dark had just happened. The line about me and my baby, is he talking about his wife or the kid? Very cryptic.
• Alexandre from Santos, Brazil What else could anyone say about such brilliant song and lyrics??? As a lyricist, Bruce is only surpassed by Mr. Dylan. By far this is one of the greatest songs by Bruce! I use to sing it on the streets, taking a shower, on the beach...I love this song! Alexandre Albertoni, Bairro da Aparecida, City of "Santos", Brazil. June 3, 2008.
• Jim from Warner Robins, Ga Just one of a lot of great songs from Springsteen.This one may have the best lyrics though.
• Gene from San Diego, Ca Love the metaphor of the river as his life. Great song. Probably one of his best.
• Colin from Coventry, England Why would someone want to even try and do a cover of this. It's not possible - it's perfect as it is. Leave it alone!
• Alec from Sydney, Australia One of the Boss's greatest, if not, the greatest song he wrote. Certainly greatest story song just love the emotion he pours into it
• Jessica from Blmtn, In This song got me hooked on Bruce Springsteen. Its very poetic and very romantic, and very sad. every time i hear it it makes me cry. I have the cd The Essential 3 disc one with this song on it.
• Rhianne from Sunshine Coast, Australia this song brought tears to my eyes. but what i think (thanks to being a hopeless romantic) is that the reference to 'the river' means the spontaneity of the relationship. the relationship started, they'd 'dive' into it, then the wedding, they had the spark, still young lovers, referring to 'into the river we did ride', then i turn to the last few lines in the song, there lives having been mapped out for them the spontaneity was taken out of the relationship, 'though i know that the river is dry', but the last two lines give me, and the hopeless romantics like me, hope, for the song finishes 'down to the river we dive.' i think the spontaneity of the relationship was taken, but the love remained, although it was hard, thats life and when he says 'my baby and i', well, thats when i cry for the hope that everything will be alright for the lovers and others like them.
• Neil.t from Blackburn, England the lovely lyrics, i act like i dont remember mary acts like she dont care, so true in all of us
• Andrew from New Bethlehem, Pa Yeah. if you ever get a chance to hear The Clarks' version, it's pretty good. I believe it was on the Springsteen tribute CD. I also suggest hearing some other Clarks stuff as well.
• John from Mullica Hill, Nj I always thought the river was a metaphor for escape (drugs,drinking whatever). When you realize the escape is empty and meaningless ( "I know the river is dry")its probably the lonliest moment in your life.
• Chad from Eagan, Mn This song is very haunting in a very realistic way. It could happen to anyone. The best lyrics IMO in this song are: "Now I just act like I don't remember Mary acts like she don't care But I remember us riding in my brother's car Her body tan and wet down at the reservoir At night on them banks I'd lie awake And pull her close just to feel each breath she'd take Now those memories come back to haunt me they haunt me like a curse Is a dream a lie if it don't come true Or is it something worse" That right there makes it very haunting and very sad.
• Robert from New York, Ny Hmm. For some reason it reminds me of the book How Green was my Valley, by Richard Llewellyn, about a boy growing up in a small town in a valley. It's a tough read, but it's a classic.
• Ty from Indianapolis, In Yeah. The lyrics are great. "Is a dream a lie if it dont come true or is something worse" makes you really go over all the things you wanted to happen in your life that didnt and question your own personal ambitions and dreams in your life. Thats amazing one line can evoke that in you. Plus it reminds me of someone.
• Roxanne from Southwest, Fl or is it something worse that sends me down to the river even though the river is dry" This is a metaphor. The River was meaning his life and his dreams, alive and flowing. Now, since the marriage, child, and economy, all of his hopes and dreams are gone. The river drying up reflects this....
• Scott from Nyc, Ny I grew up listening to Bruce Springsteen songs like "Lucky Town" and "Local Hero" which to me, seem like happy and light hearted songs. When I first heard this song, I was awed by the depth of sad and angry emotion Springsteen was able to convey, and then moved by the amazing lyrics, as Carlos said.
• John from Cambridge, Canada My uncle is convinced that the guy in the song kills himself at the end, because of the line "or is it something worse that sends me down to the river even though the river is dry" I don't think that's what's going on, but it's an interesting take on it.
• Bob from Norwood, Pa on the live box the begining of the song it really relates to me and my father and our realationship when i was a kid.
• Billy from Pittsburgh, Pa This song was covered recently (and very well, I might add) by a local band called the Clarks. They've had a following in Pittsburgh for some time, and now they're getting some national recognition - they even went on Letterman this fall. If you find it, check it out.
• Fabio from Melbourne, Australia In the Box Set Bruce Springsteen Live from 1975 to 1985 Before Bruce Plays the River The Band in the background a playing a melady with bruce telling the story of the relationship between himself and his father. I would lie to know if anyone knows what that melady was and what its called and if there is anyway I can get a hold of just the melady.
• Carlos from Albacete, Spain the lyrics from this song are impressive."Now those memories come back to haunt me they haunt me like a curse Is a dream a lie if it don't come true Or is it something worse"

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The Real Story Behind Bruce Springsteen's Song, The River

There's something solemn, foreboding, and deeply personal about Bruce Springsteen 's chilling and melancholy ballad "The River" from his iconic 1980 album of the same title. By the end of it, you find yourself clawing for any explanation as to what could have happened before or after the tragic tale of two young lovers whose dreams become condemned by frigid reality. The word pictures appear in your mind like something out of a fable. It's a despondent cautionary tale that can hardly advise caution to the listener. After all, how can one be cautious of what is often inevitable in life? 

Springsteen is a man who is apt to write from personal experience. By means of eliciting the trademark sincerity that seems to radiate from his lyrics and poetry, he pulls from his inner psyche and forges something distinctly beautiful and intimate out of even the most dismal of recollections. He's also the kind of songwriter who can craft a story and speak through those characters he creates. "The River" is one of these songs. Still, the narrative that the New Jersey -born rock titan is describing is far from a concocted one. According to Song Facts , the song's story is very much parceled out of his own life, though he wasn't the one who lived it. 

What is The River about?

"Stark and chilly, with harmonica cutting through acoustic guitar like a nasty winter wind, 'The River' is about two people scraping through the blue-collar lives they were predestined to live," according to  Billboard . The story grows more and more grim as a series of responsibilities start to pile up on two teenage lovers who once had nothing else to focus on beside the cosmic passion they shared for one another. Little by little, they are plunged into a rapture of mounting obligation and the cumbersome stressors of unexpected parenthood, all the while drifting further and further away from the brevity of true love without stipulation. "Then I got Mary pregnant, and man that was all she wrote, and for my nineteenth birthday, I got a union card and a wedding coat," the lyrics read (per AZ Lyrics ). 

Still, the narrator always circles back to the timeless memory that he and his lover experienced together over and over again in their youth — diving into a river late night and making love beneath the nocturnal beam of the moon. Once upon a time, they could drive to a sequestered place where nothing in life's periphery could hinder their fiery passion. While that time may be dead and gone, the memory endures all the same: "Her body tan and wet down at the reservoir, at night on them banks I'd lie awake, and pull her close just to feel each breath she'd take."

Who is The River about?

If you know anything about Bruce Springsteen's personal biography, you probably know that he never got his high school girlfriend pregnant and had to give up on his dreams in order to feed his family. Odds are he never would have found the time to become one of the most colossal rock stars in existence if that were the case. However, according to Billboard , Bruce's sister and her husband did in fact live out the tale of "The River" in their own lives. 

Song Facts reports that, once upon a time, Springsteen sat down with his brother-in-law and talked about how he and his wife (Bruce's sister) had to rush into married life after an unplanned pregnancy prompted them to grow up virtually over night. Just as the song's narrator had to do, Springsteen's brother-in -law got a job as a construction worker in order to support the life he never signed up for. Nevertheless, he embraced those responsibilities and never complained about his situation. Time passed, jobs came and went, and life went on, but he never forgot about those early days when being in love was the only thing that mattered. According to Song Facts, Bruce's sister immediately recognized the story the first time she heard "The River." 

Meaning of Riverboat Fantasy by David Wilcox (CA)

Riverboat Fantasy

David Wilcox (CA)

Listen to the full song on Apple Music

"Riverboat Fantasy" by David Wilcox (CA) is a song that transports the listener to a nostalgic and whimsical world of riverboat adventures, romance, escapism, and the allure of a carefree lifestyle. Let's break down the key lyrics and their meanings:

• The opening verse sets the scene of the song, with the narrator describing a festive atmosphere on a riverboat with his Cajun queen. There is a sense of celebration and freedom as they cruise down the Mississippi River.
• The reference to the year 1894 gives the song a historical context, adding to the old-timey charm and romanticized nostalgia of a bygone era.
• The chorus emphasizes the enchanting allure of the riverboat fantasy, with references to rock & roll music, substance use (reefer), and indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle. It conveys a sense of living in the moment and embracing escapism to cope with life's struggles.
• The imagery of "Cocaine kisses and moonshine misses" suggests a wild and rebellious lifestyle, filled with excitement and danger. These substances represent a form of escape from reality for the narrator.
• The verses describe moments of introspection and reflection, with references to the weather, the passage of time, and contemplating one's life choices. The narrator seems to grapple with inner turmoil and the need to escape from heartache and troubles.
• The mention of the Delta sun and the low down blues hint at the hardships and struggles faced by the narrator, juxtaposed with the temporary freedom and joy found on the riverboat.

Overall, "Riverboat Fantasy" conveys a theme of seeking temporary escape and solace from life's challenges through indulgence, music, and romanticized adventures. The riverboat symbolizes a metaphorical journey away from the burdens of reality, offering a brief reprieve from the mundane and a glimpse of a more carefree existence. The song captures the longing for freedom, spontaneity, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of hardship and heartache.

In summary, "Riverboat Fantasy" by David Wilcox (CA) serves as a musical escape into a world of fantasy, nostalgia, and hedonistic pleasures, all within the backdrop of a riverboat journey. The song celebrates the desire for liberation, self-discovery, and the pursuit of fleeting moments of joy amid life's challenges.

This meaning interpretation was written by AI. Help improve it with your feedback

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Behind The Song Lyrics: “The River,” Garth Brooks

Jacob Uitti

Updated: 

In our cover story with the legend Garth Brooks , he told American Songwriter how important James Taylor was to him while growing up. Brooks, who was raised in both a music-loving and at times-rough-and-tumble household, said that at any time, there could be fisticuffs afoot but when he came home and heard Taylor on the stereo, he knew things were okay.

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“My older brother Mike brought a James Taylor record into our house and our house finally agreed on one music,” Brooks told American Songwriter in 2020. “I owe James my life because, you know, our house was not an easy house to grow up in. If you had an argument, you ended up in the backyard.

“But if you came home and heard James Taylor on the stereo, it was going to be a good, peaceful, wonderful night. I’ve tried to explain that to James, how much I appreciate it. But he’ll never know the godsend he was to our family.” 

So, that’s why when Brooks says he was inspired by Taylor to write his hit song, “The River,” it’s a big deal. Just one dreamer helping another to push on through life’s rapids and impending shores.

In fact, Taylor recently performed the song to a bawling Brooks at a tribute to the cowboy hat-wearing artist during the 43rd Kennedy Center Honors in November. If you stay in the game long enough, miracles do happen.

For the 59-yeard-old Tulsa, Oklahoma-born Brooks, “The River” has lasted as one of his most beloved songs throughout the decades. Brooks co-wrote the song with award-winning American country artist Victoria Shaw (more on her below!). The meaning behind the song itself is centered on the idea of following your dreams no matter how turbulent life can be.

Following its release in 1991, “The River” later hit No. 1 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs and Canada Country Tracks. And it appeared on Brooks’ album that year, Ropin’ the Wind , his third studio LP.

“The River” became Brooks’ ninth No. 1 hit.

In the liner notes for his 1994 greatest hits compilation record, The Hits , Brooks wrote:

“ Of all songs, most of the letters I receive concern ‘The River.’ It is a song of inspiration… a song that I will be proud of a hundred years from now. Victoria Shaw is a wonderful writer and a wonderful friend. And this is what happens when two dreamers get together and write from the heart. One of the greatest awards that this song has ever received was the fact that it was played at Dale Wehr’s funeral. Quite an honor, cowboy. “

To begin the song, Brooks delivers the lyrics with a fragile, hopeful voice:

You know a dream is like a river Ever changin’ as it flows And a dreamer’s just a vessel That must follow where it goes

Perhaps more than anything else, Brooks’ ability to inspire both large groups of people and individuals is his biggest superpower. For the stadium-filling, “The River” is just another chance to imbue passion into the hearts of many.

He sings in the chorus:

I will sail my vessel ‘Til the river runs dry Like a bird upon the wind These waters are my sky I’ll never reach my destination If I never try So I will sail my vessel ‘Til the river runs dry

And doing so, singing this way, both emboldens his audience and Brooks himself. Today the songwriter, of course, is still going strong, selling out shows, releasing music, and maintaining his status as one of the most important performers in country music, even 30 years after the release of “The River.”

But that’s what a dream can do. It can live on longer than anyone—even the dreamer—expects.

For more, read our interview with Shaw, who talks about “The River” below:

American Songwriter: When and where did you and Garth write “The River?”  

Victoria Shaw: Garth and I wrote “The River” in my little house in East Nashville on McCarn St. My roommate wasn’t home that afternoon. I used to share a house with Jess Leary who went on to write hits like “Where the Green Grass Grows” and “Mi Via Loca.”  Back then we were just trying to get noticed. Anyway, Garth came over and we tried to come up with an idea to write and nothing was happening. We just had one bad idea after another.  Finally, Garth said, “Let’s just take a break. Put some music on. What are you into lately?” I told him I had just bought the newest James Taylor album (That’s Why I’m Here) and so I put it on. Sometimes playing music frees your mind up to go other places that have nothing to do with what you’re listening to and that’s exactly what happened. After a few minutes, Garth said, “I got it!  Turn it off.”  I turned off the CD and Garth started playing the first few lines on the guitar of “The River.” It just started flowing (pun intended). After that, the song came pretty quickly.  Maybe two hours?  It was fast, not counting the two hours before of bad ideas.  

AS: What inspired the song?

VS: That song summed up exactly what Garth and I were feeling. We both wanted success so badly though I have to say, he saw it even clearer than I did. He knew he was going to play arenas someday. I just thought he was delusional because nobody had done that in country music and it seemed way too ambitious. Ha! A few years later I had the pleasure of being Garth’s opening act at his historic Central Park concert where I got to witness one million fans waving their lighters and singing OUR song!  

AS: What has your overall experience been like collaborating with Garth?  

VS: Garth is a great songwriter. He’s very creative musically and lyrically, but will also listen to your suggestions. It’s funny though… when Garth and I write, it comes out more folky than anything else I’ve written. I think it’s that James Taylor vibe we kinda tune into when we’re together.  

AS: Step outside the song for a moment. How would you describe the song as a music fan?

VS: To this day, people stop me at my shows or wherever to tell me how much “The River” means or meant to them at some particular time in their lives. People play it at funerals, graduations, and one person told me it was the song they kept playing in their car as they were leaving their job and their hometown and seeking a new adventure. That story stands out to me.  

AS: Could you tell us some of the song’s backstory? How much or how little did you edit it, during or afterward? Were there any phrases or lyrics you can remember that were especially tough to make a final decision on?

VS: In general I like all the editing to happen before we call it quits. I don’t tinker much with a song after I write it, but then again I don’t like to leave the room till I feel 100% satisfied. It’s not a hard-fast rule, but 99% of the time that’s how it is for me. Garth might tinker a bit once in a while, but in regards to “The River” what you hear is what happened in my living room on that day. No changes. What I do remember debating is whether “vessel” was the right word. I thought it sounded weird. Garth loved it and felt extremely strong about it being “vessel.” At the end of the day, I decided to trust his instincts. I found out years later that his manager Bob Doyle also tried to talk him out of that word. Now “vessel” is my FAVORITE word. It helped me pay for my kid’s education! 

AS: Did you guys demo it or simply work tape it? How did it wind up getting cut and becoming a single? 

VS: Garth did a work tape demo. I think he did it at Kent Blazy’s house. It’s a very simple demo with that shaker thing in the background and just acoustic guitar. The feel of the whole thing is very close to how he produced it on the record just a little bigger. Garth originally told me it was going to be on his second album No Fences, and I was thrilled because his first album had been a big success. A few months later he called and told me that unfortunately, it was not going to make the album because they tried to record it, but it just didn’t capture the song the way they wanted. Obviously, I was completely bummed and figured there went my chance of being on a Garth Brooks record. Then a year later he called me to say this time they nailed the production and it was going to be on his Ropin’ the Wind album.  It all worked out for the best because “The River” is over 4 minutes long and at that point, Garth was GOD and could put out any length of song and people actually LISTENED and loved it. They loved the message.  

AS: Who was the biggest cheerleader of the song, besides the writers?

VS: You’d have to ask Garth that. I personally think there was no bigger cheerleader than Garth. Again, it took balls to put out a song over 4 minutes on country radio, but Garth just knew that song was important to him and he felt people would relate.  

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Song Meanings and Facts

• Bishop Briggs

Bishop Briggs’ “River” Lyrics Meaning

by Amanda London · Published January 29, 2022 · Updated May 21, 2023

Have you ever had one of those situations where you’re addressing a romantic interest that you’re in a tumultuous relationship with, and the more the person says, the worst the situation gets? That appears to be the scenario Bishop Briggs is most pointedly speaking on “River”, where she’s telling the person she’s singing to “shut your mouth and run me like a river”.

To run somebody, as far as slang terminology goes, is basically another way of saying that you control them. And based on the first verse and pre-chorus especially, it can not only be deemed that the association between the two parties involved, who appear to be lovers, is a troubled one. 

But moreover, the vocalist is wise enough to recognize that just as quickly as one can fall in love, a romance can also “fall apart”. 

So reading in between the lines, she is telling her partner that at this point, the less he says the better. It would be more beneficial if he actually stepped to the plate and more, shall we say valiantly display his love for her – or “stand and deliver”, as she puts it.

That said, Bishop has offered various explanations of this piece, even, it would seem,  outside of the realm of  romance. And her most consistent interpretation  is that this song is fundamentally premised on the idea of challenging someone to step up. And again, that notion does in fact come through in the lyrics. But it is also more or less obvious as presented that she is speaking to romance, considering for example that Briggs refers to “fall(ing) in love” and all.

But this phenomena is something we have noted in the past, how a song which may, upon conceptualization, be based on a more universal idea, by the time all is said and done, it is presented within the context of romance. 

So with that in mind, it can be said that the challenge the vocalist is placing on the addressee is to focus more energy on being a proper lover and less on, so to speak, analyzing their relationship.

“Shut your mouth, baby, stand and deliver Holy hands, will it make me a sinner? Like a river, like a river Shut your mouth and run me like a river Choke this love ’til the veins start to shiver One last breath ’til the tears start to wither Like a river, like a river Shut your mouth and run me like a river”

Facts about “River”

With Island Records and Teleport Records releasing this track on 19 January 2016, “River” marks the second single in Bishop Briggs’ discography. 

The song was written by Briggs alongside the track’s producers, Mark Jackson and Ian Scott. And the songstress has noted that such was the first time she worked with Jackson and Scott, and overall it was a very emotional experience for her, as it was the realization of Bishop’s music dream. (She is actually from the UK but migrated to Los Angeles, as a teenager, in pursuit of her music career.)

“River” also stands as the most-successful song in Bishop Briggs’ catalog to date. For instance, by the looks of things, this is the only track she has ever dropped to date that has been certified. In that regard the tune most notably went double-platinum in the United States, where it also peaked at number five on Billboard’s  Rock Airplay  chart.

This song was featured on both Bishop Briggs’ eponymous EP and her debut LP, “Church of Scars”. 

Briggs performed this track the first time she appeared on TV, via an episode of  The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon  dated 1 August 2016.

The music video to “River” was directed by an artist named Jungle George.

American songstress Pink is known to be fond of this song, i.e. covering it a few times in the late 2010s.

Bishop Briggs has verified that the sound of this piece was influenced by a few other music acts, i.e. Hozier, Alabama Shakes and Jack Garratt.

Let’s Hear Your Stories (:

How i stumbled upon bishop briggs’ “river”.

“Until a few days before the grand finale of season 9 of the music reality show, Mask Singer, I had no idea who Bishop Briggs was. Being a devoted fan of the show, I have always supported team Medusa since her first performance. Determined to uncover Medusa’s true identity, I tirelessly speculated and sought clues. Eventually, someone mentioned that Medusa was none other than Bishop Briggs.

Intrigued, I promptly researched her and stumbled upon this remarkable song, ‘River’, which has now become my new favorite. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her for such a triumph in the reality show’s season finale and for claiming the coveted golden mask.”

– Monika Asare

“River” reminds my that I’m not alone in this struggle

It’s truly remarkable how certain songs can intertwine themselves into the very fabric of our lives, forever imprinted in our memories. Let me paint the scene for you: it was the first day of July in 2016, a day that will forever hold a special place within the depths of my heart.

On that remarkable day, my daughter graced this world with her presence, filling it with an undeniable sense of purity and innocence. Coincidentally, it was also the day the music video for one of my all-time favorite songs, ‘River’, was released. I vividly remember sitting on my hospital bed, watching the video for the very first time.

Little did I know that this song would soon become an anchor of solace and strength during the trying months that followed my daughter’s birth. After my daughter came into the world, the days that followed were filled with a myriad of obstacles. Instead of the anticipated excitement that typically accompanies motherhood, I found myself entangled in the clutches of depression.

The responsibilities of nurturing a child as a single mother dawned on me. The path ahead appeared even more daunting. But, ‘River’ emerged as a guiding light amidst the darkness. It wasn’t necessarily the lyrics that drew me in, but rather the captivating melody of the song itself. Its harmonies became a comforting salve for my weary soul. Each note resonated within me, delicately dissipating the haze of confusion and self-doubt. It reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles.”

– Patricia Spencer

The Brilliance of Briggs

“I remember first encountering ‘River’ back in January of 2017 and instantly falling in love with Briggs’ captivating voice as well as her unique style. Subsequently, I delved into the singer’s entire discography and discovered that she was scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago later that summer, a performance I wasn’t going to miss. Despite being assigned to a smaller stage as one of the daytime acts, she delivered an unforgettable performance within the limited timeframe assigned to her. Since that moment, she has held a permanent place among my favorite artists. It baffles me that she hasn’t garnered widespread recognition in the mainstream music scene, which, in my opinion, should be considered a grave injustice.”

– Mark Carter

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5 Responses

• Pingbacks 0

Is the meaning really lost on people? Breaking it down, she’s talking about making her a “sinner” This really sounds like she’s requesting/demanding digital & oral . She wants to 💦 like a river. The shaking of an “O” 👄. Perhaps there was an arguement (she’s in tears) & she wants him to stop talking & just skip to the pleasure of making up. Even if it’s over at the end, she wants it to end in pleasure not in an exchange of fighting words. Essentially saying “take all that energy & deliver one last pleasurable gasp (last breath) before the relationship ends (withers)

Lol you sound so fucking stupid

My thoughts exactly

The song is awesome

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Tags: Bishop Briggs Church of Scars Ian Scott Mark Jackson River

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August 1, 2019

 by SMF · Published August 1, 2019

River by Bishop Briggs Lyrics Meaning – Navigating the Currents of Love and Passion

January 15, 2024

 by SMF AI · Published January 15, 2024 · Last modified April 24, 2024

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The Meaning Behind The Song: Down By The River by Neil Young

“Down by the River” by Neil Young is a song that has haunted listeners for decades with its stark lyrics and raw emotion. While the song’s meaning has been debated and interpreted in various ways, its exploration of betrayal, violence, and deep emotional turmoil remains undeniable.

Table of Contents

The first verse sets the scene with a plea for companionship and escape. The speaker begs their lover to “be on my side” and “take me for a ride,” suggesting a yearning for connection and a desire to leave behind their current situation. The pre-chorus adds a dreamlike element with the “ooh la la lah” chanting, hinting at a longing for something more than their present reality.

The chorus explodes with the chilling confession, “Down by the river / I shot my baby / Down by the river / Dead.” These words, delivered with a raw intensity, leave the listener reeling. The repetition of “down by the river” and “dead” emphasizes the finality and gravity of the action.

Over two guitar solos, the song revisits the themes of escape and longing. The speaker repeats, “You take my hand, I’ll take your hand” and “She could drag me over the rainbow / And send me away,” suggesting a desire to flee the consequences of their actions and find solace beyond their current reality.

The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the central image of the song: “Down by the river / I shot my baby / Down by the river / Dead, dead, ooh / Ooh, shot her dead / Shot her dead.” The song ends with this haunting refrain, leaving the listener to grapple with the implications of the act and the speaker’s emotional state.

While the literal interpretation of the lyrics suggests a murder, “Down by the River” can also be understood metaphorically. The “river” could represent a point of no return, a line crossed in the heat of passion or desperation. The “shooting” could symbolize the destruction of a relationship or the death of hope.

Neil Young himself has offered various explanations for the song’s meaning. He has described it as a tale of lost love, a cry for help, and a reflection on the dangers of obsession. He has also stated that the song’s true meaning is open to interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own personal connection to its message.

Despite the ambiguity of its meaning, “Down by the River” remains a powerful and disturbing song. Its raw emotion, stark imagery, and haunting melody combine to create a lasting impression, leaving the listener to contemplate themes of love, loss, violence, and the depths of human emotions.

Exploring “Down by the River” Further:

1. what is the significance of the song’s title.

The title, “Down by the River,” evokes a sense of isolation and remoteness. It suggests a location away from the hustle and bustle of life, a place where secrets can be kept and actions can be hidden. The repetition of the phrase throughout the song reinforces this imagery and adds to the song’s haunting atmosphere.

2. How does the repetition of “ooh la la lah la la lala” contribute to the song’s meaning?

This seemingly nonsensical phrase adds a dreamlike element to the song, contrasting with the harsh reality of the lyrics. It could represent the speaker’s longing for something beautiful and unattainable, or it could symbolize a disconnect between their emotions and their actions. The ambiguity of the phrase allows for multiple interpretations and adds to the song’s overall mystique.

3. What are some possible interpretations of the line “Down by the river / I shot my baby / Down by the river / Dead”?

While the literal interpretation suggests the speaker murdered their lover, this line can also be understood metaphorically. The “river” could represent a point of no return, a line crossed beyond repair. The “shooting” could symbolize the destruction of a relationship, the death of hope, or the emotional turmoil the speaker is experiencing. Ultimately, the meaning of this line depends on the individual listener’s interpretation.

4. What is Neil Young’s explanation of the song’s meaning?

Young has offered various interpretations of the song over the years. He has described it as a tale of lost love, a cry for help, and a reflection on the dangers of obsession. Additionally, he has acknowledged the song’s ambiguity and stated that its true meaning is open to individual interpretation. This openness allows listeners to find their own personal connection to the song’s message.

5. How does the music contribute to the song’s emotional impact?

The song’s raw and distorted guitar solo adds to the intensity and urgency of the performance. The driving rhythm and relentless beat create a sense of unease and anxiety, mirroring the speaker’s emotional turmoil. The overall musical style of the song contributes to its haunting atmosphere and leaves a lasting impression on the listener.

6. How has the song’s meaning evolved over time?

Since its release in 1969, “Down by the River” has been interpreted in various ways by different generations of listeners. While the core themes of love, loss, and violence remain constant, the specific interpretations of the lyrics and imagery have evolved over time. This ongoing conversation about the song’s meaning demonstrates its enduring power and ability to resonate with audiences on a profound level.

7. How does “Down by the River” compare to other Neil Young songs?

While many of Young’s songs explore themes of social justice and environmentalism, “Down by the River” delves deeper into the complexities of human emotions. Its rawness and intensity set it apart from some of his more folk-oriented work. However, the song’s introspective exploration of love, loss, and regret remains consistent with the personal and emotional themes often present in Young’s music.

Conclusion:

“Down by the River” remains a powerful and enigmatic song that continues to captivate listeners with its raw emotion and haunting imagery. While the song’s meaning remains open to interpretation, its exploration of love, loss, and violence offers a glimpse into the depths of human emotions. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a profound level and leave a lasting impression.

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