River
Bruce Springsteen
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I come from down in the valley Where mister when you're young They bring you up to do like your daddy done Me and Mary we met in high school When she was just seventeen We'd ride out of this valley down to where the fields were green We'd go down to the river And into the river we'd dive Oh down to the river we'd ride 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 We went down to the courthouse And the judge put it all to rest No wedding day smiles no walk down the aisle No flowers no wedding dress That night we went down to the river And into the river we'd dive Oh down to the river we did ride, yeah yeah I got a job working construction for the Johnstown Company But lately there ain't been much work on account of the economy Now all them things that seemed so important Well Mister they vanished right into the air 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 sends me down to the river Though I know the river is dry That sends me down to the river tonight, yeah Down to the river My baby and I Oh down to the river we ride, oh Ooh ooh, ooh ooh Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
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Written by: Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Appearance"River" is the title track of Bruce Springsteen's double album, ‘River,’ released in 1980.
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Song InspirationSpringsteen was inspired to write "River" when his sister got pregnant at a young age and her boyfriend had to take on a construction job to support them.
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Song ThemesThe song revolves around themes of regret, lost youth, and the harsh realities of blue-collar life.
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Song RecordsThe album 'River,' that contains this song, became Springsteen's first number one album on the Billboard charts.
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Lyrics ConnectionThe lyrics directly discussed the economic struggles that many faced during the time it was released, which was rife with economic difficulties.
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Musical StyleIt exhibits Springsteen's classic rock style, with a poignant mix of harmonica and piano that highlights the emotional essence of the song.
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Live Performances"River" is a fan favorite during Springsteen's live concerts. He often prefaces the song with the story about his sister, giving the song an autobiographical impression.
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Critical Reception"River" is consistently recognized as a landmark in Springsteen’s career and is regarded as one of his best songs.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by numerous artists, demonstrating its lasting impression and timeless appeal.
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Impact on Springsteen’s Legacy“River” is considered one of the pivotal songs that have defined Springsteen’s discography and shaped his reputation as a prominent songwriter.
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"River Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25760089/Bruce+Springsteen/River>.
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