River
Joni Mitchell
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It's coming on Christmas They're cutting down trees They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on But it don't snow here It stays pretty green I'm going to make a lot of money Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene I wish I had a river I could skate away on I wish I had a river so long I would teach my feet to fly Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I made my baby cry He tried hard to help me You know, he put me at ease And he loved me so naughty Made me weak in the knees Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I'm so hard to handle I'm selfish and I'm sad Now I've gone and lost the best baby That I ever had Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on I wish I had a river so long I would teach my feet to fly Oh I wish I had a river I made my baby say goodbye It's coming on Christmas They're cutting down trees They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace I wish I had a river I could skate away on
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.jpg/237px-Joni_mitchell_1974_(cropped).jpg "Joni Mitchell")
9 fans
Written by: Joni Mitchell
Lyrics © Crazy Crow Music / Siquomb Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Origin"River" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, from her 1971 album "Blue."
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BackgroundUnlike most songs on the "Blue" album, Mitchell recorded "River" with a full orchestra, making it one of the most musically ornate pieces in her catalogue.
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LyricsThe song has heart-wrenching lyrics that express profound sadness and longing for a past lover during the Christmas season.
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PopularityOver time, it has become one of Mitchell's most covered songs, with versions by countless artists across various music genres.
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CoversSome of the well-known artists who have covered "River" include James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Ellie Goulding, and Sam Smith.
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Chart PerformanceDespite its popularity, "River" was never released as a single and so did not chart upon the initial release of the "Blue" album.
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GenreThe song is categorized as folk music, a genre Mitchell was widely associated with early in her career.
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Christmastime classic"River" has often been included in Christmas music compilations and has become a unique, melancholy favorite amongst traditional Christmas carols.
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Piano Introduction"River" opens with a piano introduction that quotes the melody of the Christmas hymn, "Jingle Bells," lending a poignant Christmas feel to the melody.
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Inspirational themeThe song's theme of seeking escape from pain and sorrow has resonated with many listeners, making it a cathartic musical piece.
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Emotional context"River" was written after Mitchell's breakup with Graham Nash, reflecting her personal pain and heartbreak which she channels into the track.
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RecognitionThe song is amongst Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, acknowledging Mitchell's profound ability to evoke deep emotional responses through her music.
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Citation
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"River Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30334894/Joni+Mitchell/River>.
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