2 Meanings
Add Yours
Follow
Share
Q&A

Ghost River Lyrics

It's been a long road down the river deep 'n wild
Every twist and turn a wonder-dale
It's a scary ride we'd give anything to take

Let yourself Bleed
Leave a footprint on every island you see

Hey you, child of rape, the riverbed awaits!
Snow white...
Pitch-black, your life such strife!
Heavenward...
Deep down, I'll show you such sights!
Believe it, we live as we scream!

He will go down he will drown drown, deeper down
The river wild will take your only child
He will go down he will drown drown, deeper down
The mills grind slow in a riverbed ghost town
He will go down he will drown drown, deeper down
If you want me, then do come across

What is it you dream, child of mine?
The magic ride, the mermaid cove?
Never met a kinder heart than yours

Let it bleed
Leave a footprint on every island you see

I am the painted faces, the toxic kiss!
Sowing of doubt, troll beneath the bridge!
Come across...
Death by a thousand cuts!
Believe it, we live as we scream!

I am the desert-scape, the sand inside your hourglass
I am the fear and abuse, the leper children
Every eye sewn shut

Beautifully shy as you are
Never lose your heart
And do come across...
2 Meanings

Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.

Add your thoughts...
Cover art for Ghost River lyrics by Nightwish

I think the river is supposed to represent life, while the end of the river is death. The song seems to be about how you never know when your time will be up, so you should enjoy your ride down the river while you can, leaving a mark on every island along the way. This ties in nicely with 'Turn loose the mermaids'.

I agree that the river represents life. I think I read somewhere that Tuomas said that Marco's voice represents Satan and Anette's represents Gaia. If that's true, then Satan tries to persuade the wayfarer that the river will inevitably lead to a horrible end; he tries to bring the wayfarer to despair, to not even try because the river holds only doom. Gaia denies this and encourages the traveller to hope: in spite of the dangers, plunge into the river; there is wonder and joy to be found as well as darkness.

Cover art for Ghost River lyrics by Nightwish

I always thought it was "the river wild will take you, lonely child". It seems to fit in better with the rest of the song.

Could easily be wrong though.

 
Questions and Answers

Ask specific questions and get answers to unlock more indepth meanings & facts.

Ask a question...