The song "The River" by Heart tells a story of longing, regret, and the desire to escape from a difficult situation. The lyrics describe the holiday season approaching with the cutting down of trees, the setting up of reindeer, and the singing of songs of joy and peace. However, the narrator feels disconnected from the Christmas spirit, wishing for a river that they could skate away on. The mention of how it doesn't snow where they are and how everything stays green implies a lack of traditional Christmas festivities or a sense of seasonal disconnect. The narrator then expresses a desire to make a lot of money and leave the "crazy scene" they are currently in. This suggests that they are dissatisfied with their current life and wish to escape from it. The recurring line "I wish I had a river" symbolizes the yearning for a peaceful and freeing escape from their burdens. They long for a place where they can find solace and freedom, where they can teach their feet to fly and leave behind their troubles. The lyrics also hint at the narrator's personal flaws, admitting to being hard to handle, selfish, and sad. They reflect on losing the best relationship they ever had, acknowledging their role in making their "baby" cry and ultimately saying goodbye. This adds a layer of regret and introspection to the song. Overall, "The River" is a melancholic and introspective song that explores themes of longing, regret, and the desire for escape. It reflects on the challenges of the holiday season and the narrator's personal struggles in finding peace and happiness.
