In 1976, he achieved a national breakout with the studio album Night Moves. On his studio albums, he also worked extensively with the Alabama-based Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, which appeared on several of Seger's best-selling singles and albums.
Seger's first marriage in 1968 lasted for "one day short of a year". He had a long-term relationship with Jan Dinsdale from 1972 until 1983. In 1987, he married actress Annette Sinclair and they divorced one year later. He married Juanita Dorricott in 1993, in a small private setting at The Village Club, in Bloomfield Hills; they have two children. Seger lives mainly at his home in Orchard Lake Village, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. He owns a condo in Naples, Florida.
Politically, Seger has characterized himself as a centrist: "[I'm] right down the middle", he remarked. He supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. He tackled antiestablishment themes in early songs such as "2+2=?" (1968) and "U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class)" (1974), according to Brian McCollum of the Detroit Free Press. On his 2014 album Ride Out, he addressed topics such as gun violence, and wrote "It's Your World" about climate change. On the subject, he said, "There are a lot of culprits in climate change, and everybody's responsible, myself included. Nobody gets a free pass on this one. We've got to change our ways and change them fast.
A roots rocker with a classic raspy, shouting voice, Seger wrote and recorded songs that deal with love, women and blue-collar themes and is an example of heartland rock. Seger has recorded many hits, including "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man", "Night Moves", "Turn the Page", "Still the Same", "We've Got Tonight", "Against the Wind", "You'll Accomp'ny Me", "Shame on the Moon", "Like a Rock", and "Shakedown", which was written for Beverly Hills Cop II (1987). Seger also co-wrote the Eagles' number-one hit "Heartache Tonight", and his iconic recording of "Old Time Rock and Roll" was named one of the Songs of the Century in 2001.
With a career spanning six decades, Seger continues to perform and record today. Seger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. Seger was named Billboard's 2015 Legend of Live honoree at the 12th annual Billboard Touring Conference & Awards, held November 18–19 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.
Seger was known as one of the last holdouts regarding making his catalog available for digital download and streaming. However, as of 2017, much of his work is available.
Let The Rivers Run
Bob Seger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lately I find not much is new
And there's always a hill out there beyond
Where I could be and where I belong
Some always take, some have to win
They leave you with scars again and again
As they reach for the sky only to fall
Let the rivers run like they always do
It's not up to me it's not up to you
When we reach the end when our time is done
Let us all be still while the rivers run
Let the rivers run from the great divide
I will stay with you I'll be by your side
When we reach the end when the words are done
Let us listen well while the rivers run
In the song "Let The Rivers Run," Bob Seger captures the essence of life's journey through self-discovery with his thoughtful and reflective lyrics. The opening verse of the song is all about the search for meaning and purpose in life. Seger speaks about how he has seen the top and the view from there, and how he's realized that not much is new. However, the next line suggests that there's always a hill beyond where he could be and where he belongs. This reflects a sense of restlessness within the singer, a longing to explore the unknown and to continue evolving as a person.
In the next verse, Seger contrasts those who always take with those who have to win. He talks about the scars they leave on others, as they reach for the sky, only to fall again and again. Seger has become jaded by these types of people, as he claims to have "seen them all." It's possible that this is a reference to the music industry or the entertainment business, which can be cut-throat and unforgiving.
The chorus of the song is where Seger lays out his philosophy on life. He encourages listeners to let the rivers run as they always do, signifying the unstoppable flow of time. He emphasizes that it's not up to him or anyone else for that matter when we reach the end of our lives. Seger then urges everyone to be still and listen well to the rivers running, which could be interpreted as a call to appreciate the present moment and to live life consciously.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen the top, I've seen the view
I have been at the peak, and I have seen everything from a high point.
Lately I find not much is new
Recently, I have realized that nothing seems innovative anymore.
And there's always a hill out there beyond
There is always something more that I could achieve.
Where I could be and where I belong
Where I could fit in and feel comfortable.
Some always take, some have to win
Some people always have to come out victorious while some people never win.
They leave you with scars again and again
These people constantly hurt you, and you have to deal with the pain over and over again.
As they reach for the sky only to fall
These people are always aiming for the stars but ultimately fail in their goals.
They never change, I've seen them all
These people never change, and I recognize all the different types of them.
Let the rivers run like they always do
Allow the rivers to flow as they naturally do without any interference.
It's not up to me it's not up to you
We have no control over the flow of the rivers.
When we reach the end when our time is done
By the end of our lives, when we have finished our time on Earth.
Let us all be still while the rivers run
Let us peacefully observe the rivers without any disturbance.
Let the rivers run from the great divide
Allow the rivers to flow from the division in the Earth's surface.
I will stay with you I'll be by your side
I promise to remain with you and be your support system.
When we reach the end when the words are done
At the end of it all, when there is nothing left to say.
Let us listen well while the rivers run
Let us pay close attention to the sound of the flowing rivers.
Writer(s): Bob Seger
Contributed by Joshua F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@christopherj.mcgourty496
Bob Seger - True poet. "Its not up to me or you-" - Let the Rivers Run.
@ericstorm7194
Seeing the world through ageing eyes, when the road behind is so much longer than the last stretch ahead. And you realize that the things you really need to forget are cast in stone.
@denisehedden5108
🥀Beautiful Song amazing lyrics, vocals and music. It seems so sad but it's brilliant true to heart artist with powerful but soothing way of expressing himself. I love this song and this Man I respect him more for who he is🥀☝️🥀
@danisullivan1861
Sing it Bob .♥️🤘⭐
@peggychilders8425
beautiful voice
@genevaadair6358
hit home doesn't it? it does me!