Many Rivers to Cross
CDM Lyrics


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Many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover.
Yes I'e got many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
'cause I've been licked, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride.

And this lonliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
Cuz my man left me and he didn't say why
So I guess I'll have to cry.

I've got many rivers to cross
But just where to begin', I'm playing for time
Cuz there've been times I find myself
Thinking of committing, a dreadful crime.

And this lonliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My man left me and he didn't say why
So I guess I'll have to cry.

I've got many rivers to cross
But just where to begin', I'm playing for time
But I've been licked, and washed up for years




And I merely survive because of my pride
(Many rivers to Oh cross

Overall Meaning

"Many Rivers to Cross" is a poignant song that explores the struggles of life and the hardships that come with it. The song is about a person who is lost and wandering, trying to find their way in life. They feel overwhelmed by the challenges they face, and they seem unable to overcome them.


The lyrics "Many rivers to cross, but I can't seem to find my way over" suggest that the person has a lot of obstacles in their life and is finding it difficult to overcome them. They are lost and struggling, not knowing which path to take or how to move forward. The line "as I travel along the white cliffs of Dover" symbolizes that the person is in a place of uncertainty and confusion, unsure of which way to go.


The line "And it's only my will that keeps me alive" suggests that the person is determined to keep going and not give up, even though things are tough. They have been "licked" and "washed up" for years, but they are still surviving because of their pride. This line shows that the person has been through a lot of setbacks, but they are persevering despite everything.


The song also delves into the loneliness that comes with being single, as the person's partner has left them without any explanation. The line "My man left me and he didn't say why, so I guess I'll have to cry" showcases the person's sadness and confusion about the breakup.


Overall, "Many Rivers to Cross" is a song that speaks to the human condition and the struggles that come with it. It is a powerful and emotional song that resonates with anyone who has faced adversity in life.


Line by Line Meaning

Many rivers to cross
There are many obstacles to overcome or challenges to face


But I can't seem to find my way over
The singer is struggling to find a way to overcome these obstacles


Wandering I am lost
The singer is confused and directionless


As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
The artist is journeying towards a physical destination, but also metaphorically towards finding their way


Yes I've got many rivers to cross
The obstacles or challenges are numerous


And it's only my will that keeps me alive
The singer's determination is what motivates them to continue on


'cause I've been licked, washed up for years
The singer has endured many failures and setbacks, but continues to persevere


And I merely survive because of my pride
The artist credits their own sense of self-worth for their ability to keep going


And this loneliness won't leave me alone
The artist feels isolated and disconnected from others


It's such a drag to be on your own
The artist is tired of feeling alone and unsupported


Cuz my man left me and he didn't say why
The singer is dealing with the pain of a breakup, compounded by the lack of closure


So I guess I'll have to cry
The artist will allow themselves to feel their emotions and cry


But just where to begin', I'm playing for time
The singer doesn't know how to move forward and is delaying taking action


Cuz there've been times I find myself
The singer reflects on past experiences that continue to impact them


Thinking of committing, a dreadful crime
The singer experiences intense feelings of despair and hopelessness, even contemplating suicide




Writer(s): Jimmy Cliff

Contributed by Audrey O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@ceciliaalejandra2328

Cómo quisiera que más gente. Le gustara está hermosa música

@paulcrisp9861

CHILL RADIO DAB from many moons ago brought me here and yes very happy to hear this beautiful song again. One thing I've always considered a blessing in my life is music it can be so powerful in its own way. Peace to all stay safe in these miserable times. April 2020 ♥️🙏♥️🙏😎

@larrybrockhoft6952

Thank God for Musicians

@SimonLambert-ty5iw

in my back catalogue and a regular favourite... exquisite arrangement, music like this makes life

@user-yl7dn7kk4t

First time I heard this song was June 2008. My favorite all time song (of all genres). The most feel good chilling song.

@ukrandr

I've listened to Linda Ronstadt's version countless times. An all time favorite song and this version is just fantastic.

@conan6908

I got teary-eyed when I first heard this beautiful remixed song because it is so telling on what my long walk through life has been like. So Many Rivers to Cross (and still) to cross....................................

@rotraudkorioth4211

Listening to this song is wellness pure!

@lovemyhd1960too

i could look at this sunset every day for the rest of my life!!!

@TheRealGnagnis

I really like how you sing this song .... I do not understand the lyrics, but now thanks to you, I can sing ... maaaaaany rivers to crooooooss! but i caaaaaaan't seeeeem to fiiiind ooveer my way!

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