"Dear River" is a song by Kina Grannis that metaphorically explores the themes of love, loss, and the unstoppable flow of time. The lyrics depict the relationship between the singer and a river, using the river as a symbol for change and the passage of life. The song starts by describing the river as something the singer holds dear to her skin, suggesting a deep emotional connection. The river is said to whisper the places it has been, which may symbolize the experiences and memories it holds. The line "And I look back upstream" implies reflecting on the past and understanding how it has shaped the present. The lyrics then suggest that while the river keeps on moving, it has stopped at a certain point for the singer. This can be interpreted as finding love or a meaningful connection. The river takes the singer's heart with it, indicating that she has become emotionally invested. The line "How could I let you go" signifies the fear of losing this connection. The second verse mentions that the river comes and goes, suggesting that change is a constant in life. The singer doubts that anyone can keep up with the river, implying the challenges of holding onto something that is constantly in motion. It can also represent the difficulty of maintaining a relationship or keeping up with the changes and demands of life. The chorus repeats the doubt that anyone can keep up with the river. It highlights the inevitable nature of change and how it can be overwhelming for a person to handle. The repetition adds emphasis to this idea. The bridge of the song introduces the idea of the river flowing out to sea. The lyrics express the hope that even when the river is far away, it will still remember the singer. This can be interpreted as longing for a sense of connection or hoping that a person will remember and cherish the love they once shared. In the final chorus, the lyrics change slightly, suggesting that the river has moved on and the singer's friend is gone. This could represent the loss of the connection or the realization that things have changed irreversibly. Overall, "Dear River" is a contemplative and melancholic song that explores the themes of love, loss, and the unstoppable flow of time. It captures the bittersweet nature of relationships and the constant changes that life brings.
