The Meaning Behind The Song: Like A River by Carly Simon
Carly Simon is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of all time. She is known for her unique voice, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy melodies. Her songs have resonated with millions of people across the globe and Like A River is no exception. Released in 1994, Like A River is a beautiful song with profound lyrics and a haunting melody that has touched the hearts of many. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind Like A River by Carly Simon.
Verse One: “Maybe I’ll be sorry to leave, maybe I’ll be glad. But I’ll be somewhere that’s not in between. That’s where I’ve always had the most trouble deciding what to do”
The first verse of Like A River speaks about leaving a place, maybe a city or a relationship. Carly Simon is uncertain about whether she will be sad or happy to leave, but she is sure that being somewhere that is not in between is the best thing for her. She has trouble making decisions when she is in an in-between place, and she is ready to move on to a new beginning.
Chorus: “Like a river, like a river, the wind blows, the water flows. And it feels like I’m only going with the flow. Like a river, like a river, round the bend, through the hills, above and below. And it feels like I’m only going where the wind blows”
The chorus of the song speaks about going with the flow. The river symbolizes life, and Carly Simon compares herself to a river, going wherever the wind blows. She is not in control of her life and is letting the universe take her where it will. The hills and the bends represent the ups and downs of life, and the river is taking her through it all.
Verse Two: “I’m gonna let it all come to me, no matter what it may be. I’m gonna run as fast as I can breathe, go where the spirit takes me.”
The second verse of Like A River speaks about letting life come to her. Carly Simon is not going to try to control everything that comes her way but instead embrace it no matter what it may be. She is going to run as fast as she can breathe and go where her spirit takes her.
Chorus: “Like a river, like a river, the wind blows, the water flows. And it feels like I’m only going with the flow. Like a river, like a river, round the bend, through the hills, above and below. And it feels like I’m only going where the wind blows”
The chorus repeats, emphasizing Carly Simon’s desire to go with the flow of life and let the universe take her on a journey.
Bridge: “Maybe I’ll be sorry to leave, maybe I’ll be glad. But I’ll be somewhere that’s not in between”
The bridge repeats the lyrics from the first verse, bringing the song full circle. Carly Simon is ready to move on to a new beginning, and she is not going to let being in-between hold her back.
FAQs
1. What inspired Carly Simon to write Like A River?
Carly Simon wrote Like A River when she was going through a difficult time in her life. She had just gone through a divorce, and she was feeling lost and uncertain about the future. Like A River is a reflection of her desire to let go of control and let life take her where it will.
2. Is there any deeper meaning to the river analogy?
Yes, the river symbolizes life and the journey we take through it. In Like A River, Carly Simon uses the river as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life. The wind represents the unforeseen events that push us in certain directions, and the water represents the changes that happen in our lives.
3. Does Carly Simon believe in fate?
Carly Simon has spoken about her belief in fate and the universe guiding us on our journey. Like A River is a reflection of this belief, as she embraces the idea of letting go of control and letting fate take her where it will.
4. What message is Carly Simon trying to convey in Like A River?
The message of Like A River is to embrace the journey of life and let go of control. Carly Simon is encouraging us to embrace the ups and downs of life and trust that the universe will guide us on our journey.
5. Is there a lesson to be learned from Like A River?
Yes, the lesson to be learned from Like A River is to trust the journey of life and let go of control. Carly Simon is encouraging us to let the universe take us where it will and trust that everything will work out in the end.
6. Why is the line “maybe I’ll be sorry to leave, maybe I’ll be glad” repeated?
The line “maybe I’ll be sorry to leave, maybe I’ll be glad” is repeated to emphasize the uncertainty Carly Simon feels about leaving. She is unsure about what the future holds and whether she will regret leaving or not. By repeating the line, she emphasizes the idea of letting go of control and trusting the journey.
7. Does Like A River have a personal meaning for Carly Simon?
Yes, Like A River has personal meaning for Carly Simon. She wrote the song during a difficult time in her life, and it reflects her desire to let go of control and embrace the journey of life.
8. How has Like A River impacted Carly Simon’s career?
Like A River is considered one of Carly Simon’s most profound songs, and it has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. The song has touched the hearts of millions of people across the globe and has established Carly Simon as a true artist.
9. Why is the river analogy so powerful?
The river analogy is powerful because it is relatable to everyone. Life is a journey, and we all experience the ups and downs that come with it. The river symbolizes this journey, and the wind and water represent the unpredictability of life.
10. What other songs are similar to Like A River?
Other songs that are similar to Like A River in theme and message include Let It Be by The Beatles and You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones.
11. Has Like A River been covered by other artists?
Yes, Like A River has been covered by several artists, including Linda Ronstadt and Alison Krauss.
12. Is Like A River a popular song?
Yes, Like A River is a popular song and is considered one of Carly Simon’s most beloved tracks. The song has stood the test of time and continues to be a fan favorite.
