About the song
Background on Garth Brooks – “The River”
- Released in April 1992 as the fifth and final single from his album Ropin’ the Wind (released September 1991).
- Co-written by Garth Brooks and Victoria Shaw.
- Became Garth Brooks’ ninth Number One hit on the Billboard country charts.
- Appeared on three of his albums that sold over 10 million copies each in the US: Ropin’ the Wind, The Hits, and Double Live.
Themes in “The River”
The song uses the metaphor of a river to explore themes of:
- Persistence: The river keeps flowing despite obstacles, symbolizing the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
- Change: Rivers constantly change course, reflecting the ever-changing nature of life.
- Following your dreams: The lyrics encourage listeners to chase their goals with determination, just like a river flowing towards the sea.
- Overcoming challenges: The rapids and currents represent the difficulties we face in life, but the river keeps moving forward, demonstrating resilience.
Overall, “The River” is an inspirational song about perseverance, following your dreams, and navigating the ever-changing currents of life.
Video
Lyrics
You know a dream is like a riverEver changin’ as it flowsAnd the dreamer’s just a vesselThat must follow where it goesTrying to learn from what’s behind youAnd never knowing what’s in storeMakes each day a constant battleJust to stay between the shores
And I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dryLike a bird upon the windThese waters are my skyI’ll never reach my destinationIf I never trySo I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand asideAnd let the waters slip away‘Til what we put off ’til tomorrowHas now become todaySo don’t you sit upon the shorelineAnd say you’re satisfiedChoose to chance the rapidsAnd dare to dance the tide
Yes, I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dryLike a bird upon the windThese waters are my skyI’ll never reach my destinationIf I never trySo I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dry
There’s bound to be rough watersAnd I know I’ll take some fallsBut with the good Lord as my captainI can make it through them all
Yes, I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dryLike a bird upon the windThese waters are my skyI’ll never reach my destinationIf I never trySo I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dry‘Til the river runs dry