"Watching the River Flow" is a song written by Bob Dylan and famously covered by Joe Cocker. The song explores the themes of contentment, observation, and the flow of life. The song begins with the narrator expressing a lack of words or significant thoughts. They find themselves in an all-night cafe as daylight starts to creep in through the window. The narrator then describes walking under the moonlight towards the river, where trucks pass by slowly. They sit on a bank of sand and watch the river flow, finding solace and peace in this simple act. The narrator longingly wishes to be back in the city with their loved one, enjoying the sun shining over the chimney tops. They imagine flying away if they had wings, but for now, they are content to watch the river flow. As the song progresses, the lyrics shift towards the observations of people disagreeing and the narrator's curiosity about why they do so. The narrator witnesses someone on the street who couldn't help but cry, highlighting the emotional turmoil and conflicts that exist in the world. Despite all the conflicts and disagreements, the river continues to flow, unaffected by external circumstances. The narrator finds comfort and stability in the constancy of the river's flow. They realize that life goes on, no matter what obstacles or winds come their way. They choose to sit by the river, observing and accepting the ever-changing world. Overall, "Watching the River Flow" encourages a sense of acceptance, finding solace in the simplicity of observing nature. It serves as a reminder to embrace the flow of life, even in times of disagreement or turmoil. The river becomes a metaphor for the continuous journey of life, and the narrator finds peace in watching it go by.
