The song "River" by Gabrielle Aplin & Hannah Grace is a cover of Joni Mitchell's original song. The lyrics depict the longing for a simpler and more peaceful existence during the Christmas season. The opening lines describe the festive atmosphere of Christmas with people cutting down trees, putting up reindeer, and singing joyful songs. Despite the holiday spirit, the narrator expresses a deep desire to escape from the chaos and find solace. The repeated phrase "Oh I wish I had a river, I could skate away on" symbolizes the longing for a place of tranquility and escape. The lyrics emphasize the absence of snow and the green surroundings, suggesting that the narrator is in a warm climate or an urban area where it does not snow during Christmas. This further adds to the feeling of displacement and yearning for a traditional Christmas experience. The song also touches upon the narrator's ambition to make a lot of money and leave behind a hectic and unpredictable lifestyle. This desire indicates a dissatisfaction with the current circumstances and a need for change. The second verse introduces a romantic relationship that has ended, causing the narrator to feel regret and sadness. The lyrics mention a lover who tried to help and support the narrator, making them feel loved and weak in the knees. However, the relationship didn't last, and the narrator laments the loss, expressing a wish to escape from the pain and sadness. The chorus repeats the longing for a river that could serve as an escape, providing the opportunity to "skate away" and leave behind the difficulties of life. The lyrics express a desire for freedom and a fresh start. Overall, "River" portrays a bittersweet sentiment during the Christmas season, capturing the desire for peace, escape, and the longing for lost love. It encapsulates the universal feelings of yearning for a more tranquil and fulfilling life.
