"River of Deceit" is a song by the American rock band, Mad Season, which was a supergroup formed in the 1990s. The song was written by the band's lead vocalist, Layne Staley. The lyrics convey a sense of introspection and struggle with personal pain and deception. Staley suggests that his pain is self-inflicted and that he has a choice between burning in agony or letting go of his pride and finding temporary relief. The metaphor of a river is used to represent the relentless flow of deceit in life. Despite the desire for upward movement, the only direction the river flows is down, symbolizing a feeling of being trapped and unable to escape the consequences of one's actions. The chorus emphasizes this downward movement, repeating the phrase "Down, all down" several times, highlighting the sense of hopelessness and the inability to break free from the cycle of pain and deceit. In the second verse, Staley continues to explore the idea of personal choice in dealing with pain. He suggests that he could either metaphorically drown in his sorrows or shed his old skin and reinvent himself, allowing him to grow and present a beautiful facade to the world. Ultimately, the song acknowledges that pain and deceit are often self-inflicted, suggesting that individuals have control over their own suffering. The repeated phrase "Our pain is self-chosen" reinforces this idea. "River of Deceit" is a melancholic and introspective song, reflecting on the struggles of life, personal choices, and the ongoing battle with inner demons.
