"River Boy" by Waylon Jennings tells the story of a man who was born and raised living a simple life on the river. The protagonist is known by the people in the area as the "river boy." However, this nickname is not a flattering one, as it implies he is good for nothing and lacking purpose or value in society. The protagonist earns a living by fishing on the river and selling his catch at the market. Despite his hard work, he is met with apathy and indifference from the people there. They only see him as the "river boy" and don't care about his feelings or his offerings. The song also introduces a romantic interest for the protagonist – a girl who works at the market. However, her father disapproves of their potential relationship, dismissing the protagonist as "riff-raff" and unworthy of his daughter's time. Rejected and heartbroken, the protagonist retreats back to his fishing spot on the river. He fears that the overwhelming sadness he feels may cause the river to overflow from his tears. The song ends on a somber note, emphasizing the loneliness and lack of joy experienced by someone who is labeled as nothing more than a "river boy." Overall, "River Boy" depicts the struggles of a marginalized individual who feels trapped by societal labels and discrimination. It explores themes of loneliness, rejection, and the longing for acceptance and love.
