riverboat song lyrics meaning

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

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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

Song Meanings & Facts

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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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Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Songfacts®:

• In the beginning, "Proud Mary" had nothing to do with a riverboat. Instead, John Fogerty envisioned it as the story of a woman who works as a maid for rich people. "She gets off the bus every morning and goes to work and holds their lives together," he explained. "Then she has to go home." It was Stu Cook who first introduced the riverboat aspect of the song. The idea came to him as the group watched the television show Maverick and Stu made the statement, "Hey riverboat, blow your bell." John agreed that the boat seemed to have something to do with the song that had been brewing in his mind for quite some time, waiting to take conscious shape. When he wrote the music, he made the first few chords evoke a riverboat paddlewheel going around. Thus, "Proud Mary" went from being a cleanup lady to a boat.
• Fogerty wrote the lyrics based on three song title ideas: "Proud Mary," "Riverboat," and "Rolling On A River." He carried around a notebook with titles that he thought would make good songs, and "Proud Mary" was at the top of the list.
• The song came together on the day that John Fogerty got his discharge papers from the US Army. Fogerty had been drafted in 1966 and was part of a Reserve unit, serving at Fort Bragg, Fort Knox, and Fort Lee. His discharge papers came in 1967. Fogerty recalls in Bad Moon Rising: The Unofficial History of Creedence Clearwater Revival by Hank Bordowitz: "The Army and Creedence overlapped, so I was 'that hippie with a record on the radio.' I'd been trying to get out of the Army, and on the steps of my apartment house sat a diploma-sized letter from the government. It sat there for a couple of days, right next to my door. One day, I saw the envelope and bent down to look at it, noticing it said 'John Fogerty.' I went into the house, opened the thing up, and saw that it was my honorable discharge from the Army. I was finally out! This was 1968 and people were still dying. I was so happy, I ran out into my little patch of lawn and turned cartwheels. Then I went into my house, picked up my guitar and started strumming. 'Left a good job in the city' and then several good lines came out of me immediately. I had the chord changes, the minor chord where it says, 'Big wheel keep on turnin'/Proud Mary keep on burnin'' (or 'boinin',' using my funky pronunciation I got from Howling' Wolf). By the time I hit 'Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river,' I knew I had written my best song. It vibrated inside me. When we rehearsed it, I felt like Cole Porter." So it was that an all-American classic was born from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the late 1960s. Fogerty suspected right away that his "Tin Pan Alley" song was a radio-friendly hit, and he was right. The song hit #2 in the US, reached #8 in the UK, and #1 in Austria.
• This was the first of five singles by Creedence that went to #2 on the US chart; they have the most #2 songs without ever having a #1.
• Despite popular belief, John Fogerty was not writing from experience when he wrote this. Thanks to his military commitment, he hadn't ventured further east than Montana. After the song was recorded, he took a trip to Memphis so he could finally see the Mississippi River.
• The original CCR version peaked at #2 in March 1969. In June, Solomon Burke's rendition hit #45. His was the first to include a spoken into: I know a lot of you folks would like to know what the old Proud Mary is all about Well, I'd like to tell you about her She's nothing but a big old boat You see, my forefathers used to ride the bottoms of her as stokers, cooks, and waiters And I made a vow that when I grew up, I'd take a ride on the old Proud Mary And if you'd let me, I'd like to sing about it Burke then sings, " looking for a job in the city," as opposed to "left a good job in the city."
• This was a #4 hit in the US for Ike & Tina Turner in 1971, and a highlight of their live shows. Tina Turner recalled in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 1971 how they came to record this on their Workin' Together album: "When we cut the album, we were lacking a few tunes, so we said 'Well, let's just put in a few things that we're doing on stage. And that's how 'Proud Mary' came about. I had loved it when it first came out. We auditioned a girl and she had sung 'Proud Mary.' This is like eight months later, and Ike said, 'You know, I forgot all about that tune.' And I said let's do it, but let's change it. So in the car Ike plays the guitar, we just sort of jam. And we just sort of broke into the black version of it. It was never planned to say, 'Well, let's go to the record shop, and I'd like to record this tune by Aretha Franklin'... it's just that we get it for stage, because we give the people a little bit of us and a little bit of what they hear on the radio every day."
• "Proud Mary" attracted 35 covers in the year 1969 alone. Over 100 have been made since. These are the US charting versions: Creedence Clearwater Revival (#2, 1969) Solomon Burke (#45, 1969) Checkmates, Ltd. feat. Sonny Charles (#69, 1969) Ike & Tina Turner (#4, 1971) Glee Cast (#115, 2009)
• The line, "Pumped a lot of pain down in New Orleans" is actually "Pumped a lot of 'Pane," as in propane. He was pumping gas.
• The Checkmates, Ltd. did a horn-powered, gospel inflected version of this song that was produced by Phil Spector and featured Sonny Charles on lead vocals. Running 4:30, it's substantially longer than the 3:07 original, and went to #69 in November 1969. This arrangement was clearly an influence on the Ike & Tina Turner version, which they started performing soon after. There was speculation that Spector, who produced Ike & Tina on their 1966 single " River Deep - Mountain High ," brought this version to Ike Turner's attention.
• When CCR recorded this song, John Fogerty wasn't happy with the harmony vocals, so he recorded them himself and overdubbed them onto the track. This caused further tension in his already-tenuous relationship with his bandmates. The group split up in 1972.
• Fogerty came up with the famous chord riff on guitar when he was playing around with Beethoven's " 5th Symphony ." That one goes "dun dun dun duuunnnnn...," but Fogerty thought it would sound better with the emphasis on the first note, which is how he arrived at " do do do do." This part reminded him of the paddle wheel that impels a riverboat. "'Proud Mary' is not a side-wheeler, it's a stern-wheeler," he explained.
• Even though Creedence Clearwater Revival was from El Cerrito, California, many people thought they were from New Orleans or some other part of the South because of their swamp rock sound. They helped feed the rumor by naming their second album Bayou Country .
• Tina Turner recorded a solo version for her 1993 album What's Love Got To Do With It , which was the soundtrack to her biopic of the same name. In the film, it was lip-synced by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne (who played Ike and Tina), but on the recording, Tina's sax player Tim Cappello did Ike's bass vocals. By recording her own version with no trace of Ike, it made sure he could not profit from its use in the film or soundtrack - an important distinction considering Tina's accusations of spousal abuse. When Tina performed the song live, she would usually do a variation on the spoken part, but without the male vocal.
• Ike & Tina Turner's version charted for the first time in the UK on the chart dated October 2, 2010 after it was performed on X-Factor by auditioneees Diva Fever. This version was credited to Tina Turner only.
• Ike and Tina performed their version on the Season 2 premiere of Soul Train in 1972, becoming the first big act to appear on the program. The show became very popular its first season because of the dancers, but they were able to book many famous guests in subsequent seasons.
• The first time Fogerty heard Ike and Tina's version he was in the car. He told Spinner : "When it ended, if they had a camera and came back to me it'd be like, when Shrek and the donkey go to Far, Far Away and they push the button for that little arcade machine and it tells the whole story of their town! And the Donkey's like [Eddie Murphy impression] 'Let's do that again!' That's how I felt when that ended. I loved it, and I was so honored. I was like, 'Wow, Ike and Tina!' I had actually been following their career for quite some time. Way back in the day, when Janis and Grace Slick started to get known by the kids who were my age, I'd be like, 'Man, Tina Turner, c'mon!' She finally got her due, but for a while there, she wasn't noticed. It was a really good version, and it was different. I mean, that's the key. Instead of the same thing, it was really exciting."
• On February 19, 1987, John Fogerty went to the Palomino Club in North Hollywood to see Taj Mahal, an artist Fogerty calls "an American treasure." As told in Fogerty's memoir, while trying to remain incognito and listen to Taj, he noticed that Bob Dylan was doing the exact same thing in the corner of the venue. Fogerty went to Dylan and learned that George Harrison had gone there, too. Someone let Taj know who was in the house, and Taj promptly called them all onstage. Dylan played one of his songs. Harrison played "Honey, Don't" and then they all did "Twist and Shout." At that point, Dylan called out that Fogerty had to do "Proud Mary." At that point in his life, Fogerty had sworn off all of his old CCR material, out of bitterness and spite against both his old band and his old label. So Fogerty said he didn't want to play the song, but Dylan responded, "If you don't do 'Proud Mary,' everybody's gonna think it's a Tina Turner song." With that, Fogerty ripped into the song and had a great time playing it. When he was done he said, "Eat your heart out, Tina." The occasion didn't inspire Fogerty to start regularly performing CCR songs again, but it did break it for that one evening as four legends of rock jammed together.
• According to the book Bad Moon Rising , Bob Dylan called "Proud Mary" his favorite song of 1969.
• A film about a hitwoman titled Proud Mary was released in January 2018. Not only does the action movie take its name from the song, but altered lyrics from the tune appear on the poster promoting it, with the tagline, "Killing for the Man every Night and Day." John Fogerty took to Twitter to complain: "I wrote the song 'Proud Mary' 50 years ago, and I was very excited to have written such a good song. In fact, it was my very first good song. My songs are special to me. Precious. So it irks me when people seek to capitalize on the popularity of my music and the good will it has earned with the public for their own financial gain. Over the years, I have often found myself directly opposed to these uses. This movie has nothing to do with me, or my song. They simply picked the title and wrote a completely fictitious story around it." He added: "No one ever asked me about using my song this way, or even about the meaning of Proud Mary." The film, as well as the trailer, features the Tina Turner version of the song. Fogerty lost the rights to his CCR songs in 1973, so there was nothing he could do about having a cover version of the song used in the film.
• Leonard Nimoy, who played "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek , recorded an infamous cover of this song. Near the end, he sings the chorus Elmer Fudd style - "Big wheel keep on toynin', Pwoud Mawy keep on boinin'..." It is included on a CD called Golden Throats .
• This song was used to disastrous effect to open the 1989 Academy Awards ceremony in a bit where host Rob Lowe sang it with an actress playing Snow White, with the lyrics changed to be about Hollywood: Klieg lights keep on burnin' Cameras keep on turnin' Rollin' Rollin' Keep the cameras rollin' It got a better treatment in 2024 when Fantasia Barrino sang it to honor Tina Turner.
• Tina Turner sang this song for nearly 40 years, performing it until she retired in 2009. Many of her hits were ballads, so "Proud Mary" was an opportunity to electrify the crowd with a high-energy number that let her show off her impressive dancing.
• More songs from Creedence Clearwater Revival
• More songs with girls' names in the title
• More songs that were hits for more than one artist
• More songs about commitment or respect
• More songs performed at Woodstock
• More songs covered by the Glee cast
• More songs that are also the names of movies
• More songs from 1969
• Lyrics to Proud Mary
• Creedence Clearwater Revival Artistfacts

Comments: 67

• John Garland from Bridgwater, Somerset, England Isn't it interesting that the author of this chapter; unlike so many other writers over the years was lazy or didn't do their homework. All the info was in a small paperback called Inside Creedence published in 69. Without Stu Cook's input about the great song, Proud Mary would probably not have been the legendary standard it became. Of course, John never credited his bandmate. Such a shame, but CCR were such a legendary group because Tom decided to leave and they left all their best work for the ages. I purposely left out Mardi Gras, because by then CCR were no longer a band.
• Mephilis Eric, it's not tane, you barbarian. The word you are thinking of is Tang. Poontang.
• Annabelle from Eugene, Or I clearly hear, "Pumped a lot of pane". Want some proof? https://youtu.be/kKC3SexQ01k
• Eric from The Virginia Swamp Not “pumped a lot of Pane”. It’s “pumped a lot of Tane” So the double meaning of Octane or Poo-tane, can carry forward. Rolling Proud Mary… that’s Mary Jane, The green stuff. Devils weed.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On this day in 1969 {December 13th} Andy Williams performed "Proud Mary" on his NBC-TV musical variety program, 'The Andy Williams Show'... In the calendar year of 1969 three versions of "Proud Mary" made Billboard's Top 100 chart, CCR's original version peaked at #2 {for 3 weeks} in March, Solomon Burke's covered version reached #45 {for 1 week} in June, and the Checkmates' covered version peaked at #69 {for 1 week} in October... Between 1956 and 2007 the Wall Lake, Iowa native had forty-six records on Billboard's Top 100 chart, eight made the Top 10 with one reaching #1, "Butterfly", for three weeks on March 14th, 1957... He just missed having a second #1 record when his "Can't Get Used to Losing You" peaked at #2 for 4 weeks in 1963, during it's first two weeks at #2, "He's So Fine" by the Chiffons was at #1, and for it's 3rd and 4th week at #2, "I Will Follow Him" by Little Peggy March occupied the top spot... Howard Andrew 'Andy' Williams passed away at the age of 84 on September 25th, 2012... May he R.I.P.
• Yuk from Usa Pumped a lot of propane in New Orleans in the sixties? More likely it was 'tane (octane, in gasoline)
• Kawa from Tokyo, Japan Hi Music lovers, I think that the idea of the lyrics if the song 'Proud Mary' came from the theme song of TV series 'Rawhide' in 50s to 60s. 'Rawhide' was an American Western TV series aired from 1959 to 1966. It was a very popular TV series and it was aired in Japan, too. I think the songwriter of the song,'Proud Mary', John Fogerty, must have been watching this TV series at that time. Because the lyrics of the song has including a very impressive phrase 'Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river'. It reminds me of the theme of 'Rawhide'. REALLY! I think that John as a kid thought the theme of 'Rawhide' was very cool and that he wanted to write a song like this someday in the future. And he did in 1969 as writing the song 'Proud Mary'. By the way, I think that the intro of 'Proud Mary' came from the intro from the song 'Sunshine Of Your Love' written and played by the British rock band called 'Cream' in 1967. So let's take a look at both 'The theme of Rawhide and 'Sunshin Of Love' compairing the song 'Proud Mary' AND sing!
• Jennifur Sun from Ramona LOVE this song because I LOVE LOVE LOVE old paddlewheeleers. Have rode the two in Tahoe and didn't want to get off. Am not crazy about the Tina version either but that's ok. Thanks John for such a great tune.
• Sam from Nyc hmmm, aren't these the same guys who wanna know if you ever seen the rain? lol uhhh yea, this song is about smoking a joint. if anyone ever seen a pot rolling machine, you'll know what they mean by "big wheel keeps on turning". If you haven't seen a pot rolling machine, you can just drop in on any smoke shop and ask to see a Zig Zag.. cost you around 10 bux lol. then you too will find yourself "rollin, rollin rollin" and understand why your "proud mary keeps on burning" lol. Have a good day.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 16th 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the acts* to appear at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, California... Three days later on January 19th CCR's "Proud Mary" would enter Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #62, a little over six weeks later on March 2nd it would peak at #2 for three weeks... {See 11th post below}... * Other acts on the bill were Fleetwood Mac and Albert Collins.
• Johnny from Boston, Ma I love this song as I do all John Fogerty songs and I think the guitar solo is one of the best of all time--short and sweet.
• Garett from Il Alas, it is sir Walter Scott as author of the poem. My apologies sir W.
• Garett from Il Proud Maisie, by Longfellow, preceded the riverboat. Maisie, as a name, dropped from history, mostly, for practical reasons. I can hear the children taunting: Don't see Maisie She is crazy Mind is hazy Will is lazy If you fancy Go see Nancy Soon you'll learn to Do her pants - eee! Still in the oral tradition, our culture replaced the name with Mary, and it is a short poem. In the poem, Mary is so proud, too proud, that she learns her only marriage bed will be her grave, and the shovel is mentioned that digs it. A steamboat broiler looks like hell itself, the overwhelming fire and heat. Mean work for any man. What deserves to be shoveled into hell itself? Someone with an intractable sin, like Proud Mary. Hey let's name the boat that. She should keep on burnin after all, right?
• Bob Wallace from California "Proud Mary" is apparently riverboat slang for dried horse manure which was sometimes used as fuel on steamboats. It burns hot and clean (think buffalo chips for the pioneers and dried cattle manure commonly used South Asia). http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/2273-steamboat-terminology-slang.html In an interview on American Roots with a riverboat captain the captain says that there were a number of things burned under boilers in order to get the temperature up quickly. Pine knots, hams and Proud Mary were some. Big wheel keep on turnin' Proud Mary keep on burnin'
• Markantney from Biloxe May 2015 Susan, I'm from the Deeep South (MS) and I'm amazed that CCR doesn't have a Southern Background? How their songs can sound as Southern as Lynyrd Skynyrd is freakin amazing to me:):) And to the folks harping on the "Drugs", say the song IS about Drugs, now what?
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On March 9th 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival performed "Proud Mary" on the CBS-TV program "The Ed Sullivan Show"... At the time the song was in its second of three weeks at #2 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, that would also be its peak position on the chart... {See fourth post below}.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 16th 1971, a video of Ike & Tina Turner performing "Proud Mary" was aired on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'... Eight days later on January 24th, 1971 the duo's covered version entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #99 {See posts below for more chart info}.
• Susan from Atlanta, Ga Luke from Manchester, I think I love you! It annoys me no end that on virtually every song covered in this site, some proud soul showing off his or her new lobotomy declares the song to be about drugs. I love CCR, and John Fogerty is one of three concerts left on my bucket list. I remember being shocked to find that they were originally from California and not, as they alluded in various ways, the bayou area or somewhere along the Mississippi River. Thanks to whoever explained that faux "Cajun" accent John was trying to affect with "toinin'" and "boinin'" in this song.
• Markantney from Biloxi, Ms June, 2014: 1. I don't care if it's about Drugs, Dishes, Gasoline, Typewriters, or even Pet Rocks,..it's a great song, both CCRs and Ike and Tina's Versions. 2. I like to listen to CCRs and see Ike and Tina's performed. 3. Back to #1, based on the issues of the day (back then); it's hard to believe it's not about drugs but again, I could care less if it is or isn't.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On March 2nd 1969, "Proud Mary" by CCR peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) on Billboard's Hot Top chart... (See post below)... Was the quartet's first in a string of nine straight records to make the Top 10; after 'Mary' came "Bad Moon Rising (#2 for 1 week), "Green River" (#2 for 1 week), "Down On The Corner" (#3), "Travlin' Band" (#2 for 2 weeks), "Up Round The Bend" (#4), "Lookin' Out My Back Door" (#2 for 1 week), "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" (#8), and finally "Sweet Hitch Hiker" (#6)... On June 4th, 1972 "Someday Never Comes" peaked at #25 (for 2 weeks); and that broke their streak of Top 10 records... And four years later in 1976 their covered version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" was their last Top 100 record, it reached #43.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 19th 1969, "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 2nd it peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) and spent 14 weeks on the Top 100 (and 7 of those 14 weeks were on the Top 10)... In its first week at #2, the #1 record was "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone and for its 2nd & 3rd week, "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe was in the top spot... Was their first of five #2s on the Top 100... "Proud Mary" was track three of side two on the group's second studio album, 'Bayou Country', the album reached #7 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart... Tom Fogerty passed away on September 6th, 1990 at the young age of 48... May he R.I.P.
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny On January 11th 1970 Ike and Tina Turner performed "Proud Mary" on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'... One year later on January 24th, 1971 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 21st, 1971 it peaked at #4 (for 1 week) and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100... CCR's original version peaked at #2 (for 3 weeks) two years earlier on March 2nd, 1969... And also in 1969 two covered versions made the Top 100; Solomon Burke (#45) and Checkmates, Ltd. (#69).
• Luke from Manchester, United Kingdom Stop attaining songs to drugs unless they ARE about drugs. It's embarrassing for people with brains.
• Karl from Seattle, Wa I think this song very clearly draws connections to living an alternative lifestyle and doing drugs. It's about being a nomad, moving about a lot, experiencing the "high" life with drugs instead of the conventional finish highschcool maybe get a degree get a job get married, kids dogs and a house to live for the rest of your life in. It's about not fitting in the "system". And people who don't fit in are a lot more likely to smoke weed. "Proud mary keep on burning"? People who smoke weed are often very affectionate of it. There's a million songs out there who personalize marijuana as an object or a person i.e.e Mary janes last dance from tom petty. "Rolling, rolling, rolling"? Hard to believe a guy who probably smoked all day and was probably rolling a joint as he wrote the song didn't write this intentionally, right after proud mary keep on burning. Pumped a lot of painpane might just be a play on words. Heroin initially gives a high but i bet it can be painful for someone without resources to try to deal with the addiction when they are all out of money and need another dose, maybe living in the street. Maybe pain wasn't the ideal word to describe itbut he needed to make it ambiguous with pane. Now what really closes the deal " If you come down to the river, Bet you gonna find some people who live. You dont have to worry cause you have no money, People on the river are happy to give." meaning - If you decide to give the hippie community (general umbrella term for people who believe in alternative lifestyles, not specific people anywhere) a chance i bet you would leave with a good impression. I bet you are gonna find some people who live good lives despite not following the norm of society that is equating money with the ability to achieve happiness. River = river of life, the flow of the universe and everyday life, a river is constantly changing and every second its flow and format is different, thought sometimes it might seem slow and at other times fast. Like life. Now, i like other interpretations of the song too, and im not trying to put them down. Songs can have multiple meanings. But to think that the author didn't intentionally reference drugs in this song is like being in a room with an elephant and deciding to close yours eyes and say theres no elephant. It is there. Also, it doesnt matter what the band said or didnt say. There could be a million reasons why he would rather give an answer in an interview rather than another, and Rob, Novi, MI - Did you write this straight from the DEA's headquarters? On your lunch break maybe? "Stop thinking and just hear", oh dear.
• Meocyber from Alma, Co I've allways interpreted this as a blue collar working river man's song. He kind of spoke to the lonelines, along with romance of river life. For a Nocal guy Fogerty had to have a past life in the deep South. Has great empathy!
• Ernie from Bronx, Ny, Ny New York City --song had went to #1 for 1 week on radio station WMCA - which played rock & roll with more of local sound- --WABC --song went to #2 -which played National hit songs- this took wedding bands by storm-- when a band was asked to play a rock & roll song- they would always play "PROUD MARY"
• Barry from Sauquoit, Ny "Proud Mary" started the string of three consecutive records that peaked at #2; "Proud Mary" for three weeks, then "Bad Moon Rising" for a week, and finally "Green River" for one week!!!
• Rick from Belfast, Me this song should of been #1 for the year....at worst, definitely #2 for the year 1969
• Jeff from Panama City , Fl the intro doesnt instill the paddlewheel for me...its the lead riff in the middle...and the fills are phenomenal...very soulful...the single reason for me learning the guitar at an early age...the big one that put creedence on the map...forever indebted to stu, doug, tom, and of course john for giving me the inspiration to follow a music career...advocation
• Luke from Saint Augustine, Fl do you know that i always thought this song was about a semi truck driver, for example rolling down the river, proud mary keep on burnin' which i thought he ment truck wheels keep on burnin down the road, even though everyone says proud mary was a boat i still like to think its a truck :)
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al Hello Jose from Barcelona, How can I find the Conway Twitty album "I Love You More Today? Is it still In Print? If you have an answer, let me know por favor.
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al Marta, I tried going to the direct YouTube address that you have sent. I could pull up the song itself, but I couldn't find Conway's version When I tried typing it in the youtube search box it just gave me all of his other songs. If you know what page number in the listings it would be on, or anywhere else that has it for sure, or if there is anyone else that knows the about this please let me know I appreciate it. God Bless!!!
• Marta from Szczecin, Poland http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z4lmF8PNGc :)))
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al Does Anybody know where I can find Conway Twitty's version of proud Mary? If you do, please tell me. I have looked on the web and can not find it anywhere. Thanks, Garrett Miles
• Garrett from Phenix City, Al First of all, I'd like to say the lyrics to the second verse are as follows; "Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of 'pane or 'pain down in New Orleans." I used to think it was "Pumped a lot of tank down in New Orleans." Later, I heard a friend of mine's son singing the CCR version, and he said it was 'pane. Then I listened closely to Creedence Clearwater Revival's version, and it was clear that Fogerty was saying "'Paine" or "'pain," and not "tank as i thought it was, or even "'tane" as Ike & Tina Turner sang. So I asked several people what they thought it was and they all said it was "'pane" as a contracted form of propane. I have listened to the lyrical content of the song and clearly do not think it is about smoking dope. I have never heard heroine called "Pain." The song is about a riverboat going down the Mississippi. Now that i got that point clear, Yesterday I was reading some of the comments on this site, and I heard someone mension that Conway Twitty sang the song. I had heard that a long time ago, but had forgotten about it. I was wondering if you knew how or where i could find it, because I have looked all over the internet and I can't find it If you read this, and you have an answer, please let me know.
• Harry from Myrtle Beach, Sc To the person who made the comment about hating Tina's version - that's fine if you don't like it - Don't listen to it - But your excuse for a joke about Ike hitting her is apalling. Grow up a little!
• Marion from Houston, Texas, Tx OOPS! That should be JOHN Fogerty.
• Marion from Houston, Texas, Tx I am probably much older than any of you who posted comments and believe I can safely say have known Jim Fogerty and his music much longer than you have. Do not presume to second guess this great artist. He says what he means and means what he says. Instead of arguing about the words of any song, why not just buy the sheet music?
• Kevin from Chicago, Il I'm surprised most people don't draw the connection this song makes to marijuana. "Proud Mary keep on burnin?" I would say that is a pretty obvious reference to smoking some "Mary Jane"
• Kris from Wichita, Ks I hate Tina Turner's version of this song. It's prolly the reason Ike beat her,"Damn Tina you messed that song up *Smack* Don't do it again!"
• Marge from Blue Grass, Ia I'm doing Memorial Tribute's in memory of an uncle who passed away that who used to work on the river as a deckhand years ago. My husband John has worked on the river for 31 years. He's a Captain on a lineboat. He thought this song "Proud Mary" would be the perfect song to put on the Memorial. We always loved this song. It's a good song and I don't know why people have to talk trash about such a great song! Marge,BG,IA.
• David from Wilson, Ny i used to think it was about the boat queen mary when i was younger.
• Gare from St. Paul, Mn I am disappointed to realize that I have had the lyrics wrong all these years - I thought the song said "pumped a lot of tang' down in New Orleans" as in poontang. Damn! I'm still gonna sing it that way, it's much more interesting that-a-way! A great song sung by anyone is still a great song!!!
• Mark from Byrdstown, Tn It kills me when someone posts 'so and so did an awesome cover of this song'.I mean why would you want to hear anyone cover this song when you can hear CCR doing it? I mean hell, Fogerty himself is still playing in a traveling band and doing this song.Even Tina Turner sounded like crap trying to do this song.
• David from Baden-baden, Germany John always had a book with him in which he wrote down feelings or experiences he made on journeys or something. He wrote lyrics with the help of this book.
• Street Strategist from Hong Kong, Hong Kong "Proud Mary" is number 8 in the list called "Sounds at the Speed of Music: 50 Rock Anthems at 100 kph"
• Ken from Louisville, Ky On an NPR interview, Fogerty was asked to pronounce the words "turning" and "burning". Fogerty was amused when the host was shocked that John didn't pronounce them "toinin'" and "boinin'". He said he sang the song in a cajun accent, which, being fron Northern California, he had to fake.
• Linda from Omaha, Ne I read that John Fogerty wrote "Proud Mary" because he was happy about having been rejected for service in Vietnam. Can't believe everything you read though.
• Teresa from Mechelen, Belgium Ike and Tina Turner didn't ruin the song, it's just different but very good also.
• Paul from Warren, Mi This is a great song. It tells of a riverboat sailing down the Mississippi River with the paddlewheels going full force. Ike&Tina Turner ruined the song by speeding up the beat and now every musician follows the Turner way instead of doing it the way John Fogerty wrote it, the way the son was meant to be.
• Caitlin from Upper Township, Nj Cool song. nice rhythmn. i danced to this song in my jazz class last year.
• Teresa from Mechelen, Belgium I loved this song when it came out and still love it now, the version of Ike and Tina Turner is also very good. I can't say which one I prefer because they are so different.
• Jeff from Staten Island, Ny Heroin is called Boy & Coke is called girl because heroin or Dope = (D) & Coke = (C) (its code/slang) because a boy has a 'D' a girl has a 'C' (think of private parts) the word "Man" doesn't fit the equation
• Joe from Charlotte, Nc I saw Fogerty in Chrlotte, NC. He's still doin' it. The "Man" in this song is heroin. "Workin for the man every night and day." If you want proof, watch the movie 'Ray' with Jamie Fox. They refer to coke as the lady, and heroin as boy. The river is referred to in thousands of rock songs. If you listen to any classic rock song and replace any word relating to water with heroin, they all make sense.
• Mitchell from Melbourne, Australia Yeah I saw him in Melbourne too. Terrific sing/songwriter and an excellent performer. Every there loved the entire show and was going crazy. I'm 14
• Jolene from Melbourne, Australia Just saw Fogerty two nights ago in Melbourne and when he did this song the crowd was jumping around and acting real crazy which is a surprise cause the crowd was made up of people from 15 to 75! Mind you we were going crazy to just about every song, incredible concert. If you get a chance to see him live, take it.
• Diane from Nyc, Ny It's a big person who can admit when they are wrong. I am (was) wrong. Straight from the horse's mouth: "Sometimes I write words to songs because they sound cool to sing. Sometimes the listener doesn't understand what I'm singing because I'm dedicated to singing the vowel, having fun with the word sounds coming out of my mouth. 'Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of pain down in New Orleans,' is a good example. I think Tina Turner sang 'tane' instead of 'pain,' as in a contracted form of octane. But I knew what she meant," Fogerty said.
• Diane from Nyc, Ny the lyric is pumped a lot of 'pane (propane) gasoline. it's funny how people project themselves on to perfectly harmless and obvious song lyrics.
• Jose from Barcelona, Spain there is an outstanding version of Proud Mary (country style) by Conway Twitty from LP "I Love You More Today". I do have it in MP3 Benitez
• Ross from Independence, Mo This is #155 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest songs.
• Ken from Louisville, Ky One reason people thought CCR was from Louisiana was the song on the flip side of this single, "Born On The Bayou". In fact, CCR had orginally intended that song to be the A-side, but U.S. disc jockeys kept playing "Proud Mary" so often that the record company made it a "double A side" 45, as was sometimes done in the 1960's.
• Rob from Novi, Mi Good job, Cody. It seems to some people that every single song has some hidden meaning. Just listen to the music.
• Kelly from Burbank, Ca Best CCR song. Hands down. Well in my opinion at least. My dad is a really big Credence fan and listens to them a lot, so I got to know them well too. But I always though this was the best one.
• Michael from Toronto, United States I always associated "pumped a lot of pain" with cranking heroin. I think it's great that the good songwriters' lyrics are open to interpretation.
• Johnny from Hilo, Hi i believe the lyric goes "pumped a lot of 'tain', down in new orleans", as opposed to "pumped a lot of 'pain', down in new orleans". it would make more sense that one could pump "tain" ( slang for octane, or gasolene ) at a low paying job, that would be compared to washing dishes. that, i can see being pumped, "pain" on the other hand, not so much.
• Cody from San Antonio, Tx Why does everyone want songs to be about marijuana? Sometimes its not about pot guys. Come on.
• Jude from Db, Ca Trenyce sang this song very well on "American Idol."

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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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Bishop Briggs : River Meaning

Song Released: 2016

River lyrics, 1 top rated.

I actually think its about her and her lover and her telling he/she to not show their love verbally, but physically (Basically s*x)

2 TOP RATED

I think love can flip on or off at anytime depending on all the different things that come into you life. You can put a label on a relationship and then later be disappointed by how it turned out. “Shut your mouth and run me like a river” could mean: stop talking about it and let’s just enjoy the ride and see where it takes us.

3 TOP RATED

So, in an interview she explained that this song is about not backing down, in her words "tension and release. Staring someone down and not backing down.. Which when I hear it, that's what I feel. Raw emotion and just like "here I am, shut your mouth and do something or fuck off." "Shut your mouth, baby, stand and deliver." Which is why I love it. Actions > words. Source: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/10978138

Well I think it’s about sex because it said delivery and sinner and the rest of it it just seems like that’s what it means but I could be wrong and also run me like a river. Also it probably means shut up and just do it. And yes I might dirty minded but at least I looked it up just to see and see that it might mean about sex is or any red flag is a good thing i think. Also it’s definitely about a relationship because it dose say baby and kiss.

In the video there isn't once a fucking river. There's an ocean, a creek, a swamp, a lake, but no fucking river.

So many funny interpretations of this song. It's another way of saying, "Stop the grin'n & drop the linen." She wants physicality not some ephemeral b.s. Basically, show up, put up or leave.

It says “Holy hands, will they make me a sinner?” (Twice) Holy hands oh they make me a sinner” (3rd Time) “Shut your mouth, baby stand & deliver” “Choke this love till the veins start to shiver” “Run me like a River” I might be dirty minded but what else but sex is going to make you a sinner by holy hands. Cum on…. It’s a sexy take charge song…. I agree the relationship might not be healthy based on the opening lyrics but it’s good.

I saw all the interpretations and they are all so interesting to me, when I hear the song I see it as a relationship thats about to break but the singer doesnt want it to end she's trying to keep it going, she doesn't want to leave the relaionship so she's saying to shut up about all the complaints and problems and just keep the river (like their love) running and see how it goes rather than give up. the person singing seems to be very determined to stay with their lover in my opinion.

A lot of people are saying it's about s*x, I also agree but it might also be something to do with LGBT because she says "holding hand wouldn't make me a sinner" but that could also mean sexual.

I think that it's about knowing that your partner is about to tell you it's over so choosing to just not have that conversation and have sex instead. It's that desperate attempt to fix everything that's wrong by being physical. It's like she digging her heels in and saying "No, I won't let it end!" She's saying "Don't you say it" over and over. She says "One breath and it will just break it, so shut your mouth and run me like a river" .... Then there is of course "Shut your mouth baby 'stand and deliver'" which again is her saying "Don't talk just, (errr,) take me." I mean every word of the lyrics screams this to me but then, really, songs are about whatever we feel that they are about because the powerful thing about music is that it's so relatable, each song means something different to each of us, generally speaking. In a larger sense, I feel it's also about refusing to accept the seemingly inevitable and fighting to keep/get what you want. In this instance, she's fighting to keep her lover from leaving but the message is transferable.

I think it might be about her relationship failing. Like maybe when she says "shut your mouth and run me like a river" it means let's see where this love journey goes, and all you people who said it was about s*x you just have a very dirty mind.

all of the song sounds like its about sex run me like a river its like make me Running like a river a metaphore for making me wet stand and deliver dont think that i need to explain choke this love till the veins start to shiver i mean its clearly sexual

I believe she is symbolizing that the heart does what it wants. No sense in talking about love. What happens happens run me like a river. Just go with the flow and accept it as it is (love)

I believe this song means that when someone is down, helping and encouraging them to go no matter what. "Run me like a river", I took that saying blunt, how would you run with a river, with a boat, going with the river. "Shut your mouth and run me like a river", a person down would not have a boat, so they must build one, and when they complain they have no boat or say they are to weak, she tells them to shut up and do it. "one last breathe till the tears start to whither", I interpreted this as the last thing to fixing the problem, you do not know if you want to do it, but it must be done to fix the problem. 'Stand and deliver" can be stay and finish the boa kind of. "Holding hands will it make me a sinner" is herself asking is it worth it to help the other person. I think of this song as someone helping a bullied kid.

Asked by Ones to Watch about the song's inspiration, Briggs replied; "'River' is all about staring someone in the face and pushing them to their limits - whatever those limits may be." - from songfacts

Once I heard this song, I thought it was about empowerment and not backing down. In other words, being bold, strong and confident. Of course there will be times when you feel like you are worthless, but Bishop Briggs wrote this song as a way to promote self-confidence to those that may need that sort of feel. I can't tell whether the lyrics were wrote as a way to be confident, strong, or emphasize feeling, but I do understand that this she wrote this and sang this with so many strong feelings, were she added emotion and creativity to her work. Speaking of which, earlier, I was reading something - an interview - were she explained in detail what the lyrics meant to her. "It could be interpreted any sort of way. As long as you understand what it means to love something and get what you want while preceeding to have justice and be rightous about it - being confident towards yourself, you'll understand from "River" point of view, is what I believe to be true." I believe that she came up with this in matter of agreement with what she liked, which, in fact, to her is 'nature'. She loved growing up in nature as a child, and I believe that this song is her way of bringing confidence to people who might feel the same way about someone, somebody, or is just really brave. So, I believe that "River" was meant as a promotion soundtrack for believers, who feel that it's right to know where you stand on the battle filed.

I think her interpretation is all about empowerment and not standing down when weak against someone else. Being able to stand up when doubted or pushed back

It sounds kinky in a way. The lyrics can be taken in many different ways.

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Behind the Meaning of Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River”

Alex Hopper

There are many country songs about drowning your sorrows in a drink. Willie Nelson delivered one of the most famous songs in that vein, “Whiskey River,” in the early ’70s. Though Nelson wasn’t the songwriter behind this timeless track, his version has proven to be the most enduring. Uncover the meaning behind this Johnny Bush-penned track, below.

Videos by American Songwriter

[RELATED: Watch Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings Perform “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” at Farm Aid in 1986]

We all need a little distraction from time to time. That distraction can come in many forms. For Bush and Nelson, it came in the form of an amber colored drink. In the wake of heartbreak, this song compels the listener to drown their sorrows. Though that advice might be questionable, the song itself is a timeless country classic.

Whiskey River, take my mind Don’t let her mem’ry torture me Whiskey River, don’t run dry You’re all I’ve got, take care of me Whiskey River, take my mind

“On my way back to Texas from Nashville,”  Bush once said . “I was on my tour bus and when I woke up in Texarkana, I had the idea about ‘Whiskey River.’  And by the time I got home, I had it written.”

The song is relatively simple, so it stands to reason it would be quick to write. But, sometimes it’s the simplest of sentiments that hit the hardest. That’s the case for this track. The narrator finds themselves heartbroken. Don’t let her mem’ry torture me , the lyrics plead.

In the end, there is only one thing that can help heal this broken heart. Whiskey River, don’t run dry You’re all I’ve got, take care of me , Nelson sings in this hit.

I’m drowning in a whiskey river Bathing my mem’ried mind in the wetness of its soul Feeling the amber current flowin’ from my mind And leaving a heart you left so cold

Though he didn’t write it, “Whiskey River” has been a staple for Nelson since the mid-’70s. It routinely acts as a concert opener for the country legend. Revisit his version, below.

Whiskey River, take my mind Don’t let her mem’ry torture me Whiskey River, don’t run dry You’re all I’ve got, take care of  me

(Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

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The Meaning Behind The Song: River by Bishop Briggs

Bishop Briggs, born Sarah Grace McLaughlin, is a British singer and songwriter who rose to fame with her debut single “Wild Horses” in 2015. Her most popular song to date, “River,” released in 2016, has been described as a power anthem that showcases her unique sound and breathtaking vocals. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this song that has captivated millions of listeners worldwide.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics and Interpretation

River, like most songs, has a universal meaning that can be subject to interpretation by individual listeners. However, one thing that is clear is that it conveys a feeling of overcoming inner struggles and limitations. The song opens with the lines, “Like a river, like a river, like a river, we’ll run,” suggesting that the protagonist is willing to let go and be swept away by the river. This can be seen as a metaphor for being taken by something greater than oneself, such as love, passion, or motivation.

The chorus, “I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go, like a river,” echoes the desire to be carried away without resistance, indicating that she’s already surrendered to the flow of life’s journey.

The second verse is more explicit in its message: “Cut me down the middle, f***d me up a little, you said I was your healer, didn’t want to be a believer, oh yeah.” These lines suggest that the protagonist was hurt by someone she trusted and loved, but ultimately found the strength to rise above her circumstances. This emotional journey is encapsulated in the lines, “I was broken from a young age, taking my sulking to the masses, writing my poems for the few that look at me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me.” This could suggest that Bishop was struggling with depression and turned to writing music as a form of self-expression and therapy.

The Song’s Impact and Reception

Since its release in 2016, River has received widespread critical and commercial success. It peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart, making Bishop the first female artist to reach the top ten on the chart since Halsey’s “New Americana” in 2015. The song has also been certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States, attesting to its widespread popularity.

Aside from its commercial success, River has become an anthem for those who are struggling to overcome inner demons or obstacles. Its powerful message resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, and the song has been covered by countless artists in a variety of styles. The song’s music video has amassed over 120 million views on YouTube, and it continues to inspire and encourage people worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired bishop briggs to write river.

Bishop has stated in interviews that the song was inspired by her personal experiences with depression and anxiety. She wanted to create music that she could turn to and feel empowered and uplifted by, as well as connect with people who may be going through similar challenges.

What is the meaning of the chorus in River?

The chorus in River expresses the desire to let go of one’s struggles and limitations and be carried away by something greater than oneself, such as love, passion, or the flow of life.

What is the message behind the song’s music video?

The music video for River depicts Bishop performing in a white room with black-clad dancers. The dancers represented her inner turmoil and struggles, with Bishop breaking free from their grasp and accepting herself for who she is. The message of the music video is about overcoming personal demons and learning to love oneself.

What is the significance of the line “Can’t keep me here in the dark no more”?

This line is a declaration of Bishop’s emotional freedom. It suggests that she has overcome the limitations and anxieties that once held her down and has risen to a higher state of existence.

What has been the reaction of Bishop Briggs’ fans to the song?

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans citing River as the song that helped them through difficult times in their lives. The song has been a central part of Bishop’s live performances, and her fans continue to embrace it as an emotional anthem.

What awards has River won?

River has been a hit on the charts, and Bishop Briggs has received accolades for her work. Some of the awards the song has received include the 2016 Alternative Song of the Year award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and the Best Song International award at the 2017 International Songwriting Competition.

How has the song impacted Bishop Briggs’ career?

River has been the breakthrough hit for Bishop Briggs’ career and brought her to the attention of the wider music industry. The song has helped her to establish herself as a unique voice in the alternative music genre and has opened doors for her to collaborate with other artists and producers.

What makes River stand out from other empowerment anthems?

River stands out for its raw and emotionally charged lyrics, coupled with Bishop’s powerful and soulful voice. The song’s message of inner strength and emotional release has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide, making it an iconic empowerment anthem.

How has Bishop Briggs worked to address mental health awareness?

Bishop has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. She has worked with organizations such as To Write Love on Her Arms to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote resources for those in need.

Has Bishop Briggs performed River live on any notable shows?

Bishop Briggs has performed River on multiple late-night talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The song has been a staple in her live sets and has been performed at major music festivals worldwide.

What other songs by Bishop Briggs are similar to River in style and message?

Bishop Briggs’ catalog is known for its emotionally charged lyrics and powerful vocals. Some songs that share the message and style of River include “White Flag,” “Dream,” “Dark Side,” and “Water.”

What is unique about Bishop Briggs’ musical style?

Bishop Briggs’ music is distinctive for its blend of alternative and soul styles. Her songs are often driven by heavy drums and bass, with her powerful vocals taking center stage. She is known for her intense live performances, often belting out her songs with raw emotion and energy.

Do any other artists cite River as an inspiration?

River has become a beloved empowerment anthem, and many artists have cited it as a source of inspiration. Some artists who have covered the song or expressed admiration for it include Anne-Marie, Bea Miller, and Emmylou Harris.

What is the overall message of River?

The message of River is one of inner strength and emotional release. It encourages listeners to let go of their struggles and be carried by something greater than themselves, such as love or the flow of life. The song’s message is about finding the strength to overcome personal demons and to embrace oneself fully.

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Jennifer Bell

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Song Context

Bishop Briggs

Church of scars.

Song meaning of River by Bishop Briggs, and what it is about

It is about a relationship that is close to breaking down due to tension. According to Bishop Briggs, the song's lyrics was the desire to empower individuals to take matters into their own hands.

She constantly gets the want to walk up to someone and ask them to push them to their boundaries because she always has that vision in her head, especially when she is writing something. She believes that has a powerful and intriguing quality.

The song became popular, peaking at number one on the Spotify US Viral 50 and in the top 10 on three separate Billboard charts.

River lyrics by Bishop Briggs

Like a river

Like a river sh-

Shut your mouth and run me like a river

How do you fall in love?

Harder than a bullet could hit you

How do we fall apart?

Faster than a hairpin trigger

Don't you say, don't you say it, don't say

Don't you say it, one breath and it'll just break it

So shut your mouth and run me like a river

Shut your mouth

Baby, stand and deliver

Holy hands, will they make me a sinner

Choke this love till the veins start to shiver

One last breath till the tears start to wither

Tales of an endless heart

Cursed is the fool who's willing

Can't change the way we are

One kiss away from killing

Don't you say, don't you say it

Don't say, don't you say it

One breath it'll just break it

Hey! Ooh oh oh

Like a river!

Release Date

Songwriter/s.

Bishop Briggs, Ian Scott, Mark Jackson

Ian Scott, Mark Jackson

Teleport, Island

More songs from this artist click below:

https://www.songcontext.com/artist/bishop-briggs

More songs from the album click below:

https://www.songcontext.com/album/church-of-scars

Other Songs