About the song
“Bruce Springsteen – The River” is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Released in 1980 as the title track of Springsteen’s album “The River,” this song is often regarded as one of his most profound and enduring works.
From the moment Springsteen’s soulful vocals begin, “The River” draws listeners in with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics. The song’s stripped-down arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and harmonica, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows the poignant storytelling to take center stage.
Lyrically, “The River” tells the story of a young couple grappling with the challenges and hardships of life as they navigate the complexities of love and adulthood. Springsteen’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of blue-collar America, capturing the hopes, dreams, and struggles of ordinary people trying to make their way in the world.
With its raw emotion and Springsteen’s emotive delivery, “The River” became a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying Springsteen’s reputation as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and Springsteen’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Decades after its release, “The River” remains a staple of Springsteen’s live performances and a beloved favorite among fans. It stands as a timeless reminder of the power of music to evoke emotion, tell stories, and capture the essence of the human experience.
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Lyric
I come from down in the valleyWhere, mister, when you’re youngThey bring you up to do like your daddy doneMe and Mary we met in high schoolWhen she was just seventeenWe drive out of this valleyDown to where the fields were greenWe’d go down to the riverAnd into the river we’d diveOh, down to the river we’d rideThen I got Mary pregnantAnd man, that was all she wroteAnd for my nineteenth birthdayI got a union card and a wedding coatWe went down to the courthouseAnd the judge put it all to restNo wedding day smiles, no walk down the aisleNo flowers, no wedding dressThat night we went down to the riverAnd into the river we’d diveOh, down to the river we did rideYeah, yeahI got a job working constructionFor the Johnstown CompanyBut lately there ain’t been much workOn account of the economyNow all them things that seemed so importantWell mister they vanished right into the airNow I just act like I don’t rememberMary acts like she don’t careBut I remember us riding in my brother’s carHer body tan and wet, down at the reservoirAt night on them banks I’d lie awakeAnd pull her close just to feel each breath she’d takeNow those memories come back to haunt meThey haunt me like a curseIs a dream a lie if it don’t come trueOr is it something worseThat sends me down to the riverThough I know the river is dryThat sends me down to the river tonightDown to the riverMy baby and IOh, down to the river we ride-ideOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh