Janet Devlin's song "River" is a cover version of Joni Mitchell's original song with the same name. It was released in December 2011 as a promotional single. The lyrics of "River" convey a sense of longing, sadness, and a desire for escape during the Christmas season. The song portrays the contrasting emotions associated with the festive time while feeling disconnected and longing for a different reality. The opening lines, "It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees, they're putting up reindeer, and singing songs of joy and peace," depict the traditional festivities and the cheerful atmosphere around Christmas time. However, the narrator yearns for something else. She expresses a wish for a river she can metaphorically skate away on to escape the mundane and find solace. She mentions that where she is, it doesn't snow and stays green, indicating a lack of seasonal charm. She desires to escape from her current situation, which she finds unfulfilling and chaotic, despite the potential to make money. The narrator wants to leave her current life behind and dreams of having a river long enough that she could teach her feet to fly, symbolizing freedom and liberation. The song also alludes to a failed relationship. The narrator reveals that someone tried to help her and loved her deeply, but she let him down. She describes herself as being hard to handle, selfish, and sad. The loss of this significant person is another reason she wishes for an escape, regretting the circumstances that led to their departure. Overall, "River" captures the bittersweet emotions and longing for escape during the holiday season. It reflects a desire to break free from the constraints of life and find solace in a metaphorical river.
