Across the River Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Harlequinredryder 

Cover art for Across the River lyrics by Bruce Hornsby

I think Jakkijelene got some of the meaning, but I believe it's even deeper and - at the same time - less specific. The girl's longing and dream is not necessarily Hollywood, but likely something she perceives as better, higher, more worthwhile, and certainly not just making (more) money. The narrator observes that she came back 35 weeks ago, nearly the term of a pregnancy, perhaps intimating that she went away with high hopes, got taken advantage of, got pregnant, and had to come home without achieving whatever it was she left for. The idle talk of those who observed that she's come back with her tail between her legs, "like they always said she would" speaks to the small minds, mean spirits, and petty jealousies of those who don't want someone they perceive as thinking they're "better than we are" bettering themselves. Bruce's observation and response is one of faith and assurance to the girl, and to himself, that "Some Fine Day" both of them can make it to success and escape from the morass of negativity and small mindedness that tends to suck them down.