The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Out across cities I see buildings burn into piles
And watch the world in wonder as mountains turn into tiles
And trees losing their leaves and faces becoming tired
I wish I could discover something that doesn't expire
Come and stumble me
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Such are the things that make a kingdom rumble and shatter
The same dynamic that another day would never matter
It really just depends on who's giving and who's receiving
And things that don't make sense are always a little deceiving.
Come and humble me
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
I wanna go where you're going
A follower following
Changing but never changed
Claiming but never claimed
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
And watch the world in wonder as mountains turn into tiles
And trees losing their leaves and faces becoming tired
I wish I could discover something that doesn't expire
Come and stumble me
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Such are the things that make a kingdom rumble and shatter
The same dynamic that another day would never matter
It really just depends on who's giving and who's receiving
And things that don't make sense are always a little deceiving.
Come and humble me
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
I wanna go where you're going
A follower following
Changing but never changed
Claiming but never claimed
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Take me river carry me far
Lead me river like a mother
Take me over to some other unknown
Pull me in the undertow
Lyrics submitted by LovelyMauve
River Lyrics as written by Valerie Poxleitner Thomas Salter
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Your lyrics are pretty spot on, just a few little corrections. I got these from the album booklet: "Out across cities I see buildings burn into piles" "And trees losing their leaves and our faces becoming tired" "Put me in the undertow" "I want where you're going"
As for the meaning of the song, I see it as being tired of life and wanting to get away, or something to that effect. I love the chorus, it's catchy.
Thanks for all your help!