"Kern River" is a song by Merle Haggard that tells the story of a tragic incident that occurred on Kern River, just outside Bakersfield, California. It was a place where the singer and his lover used to go swimming. One night, while they were swimming in the river, the strong currents swept his lover away and claimed her life. The song shows the impact that this tragedy had on the singer. He says that he'll never swim in the river again and that he now lives in the mountains, far away from Kern River. Although he may cross the river on the highway, he'll never again enter its dangerous waters. The song is also a nod to the history and geography of the area. Kern River is a real place, where there have been many tragic accidents throughout its history. The song also mentions Mount Whitney, which is a landmark in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the South San Joaquin area, which was affected by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Overall, "Kern River" is a song about loss and the deep impact it can have on a person's life. It's a poignant reminder that our experiences can shape us and change the course of our lives.
