During the next two decades Carman changed the face of Christian music and evolved contemporary evangelism into what it is today. Carman established "Carman World Outreach," a non-profit organization that helps touch the lives of literally millions of people worldwide. Billboard Magazine recognized Carman's influence in Christian music by first naming him "Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year" in 1990. He has received numerous gold and platinum albums and videos. Even with all this success, the heartbeat of this Champion for Christ continues to beat strong for the souls of people who need Jesus. As an outflow of this passion, Carman had more than 50,000 people attend his "Music for Peace" crusade in Johannesburg, South Africa. These numbers topped the charts as his largest concert crusade ever, until more than 70,000 people packed the legendary Texas Stadium, making it the largest Christian concert in history.
For over 26 years, Carman has entertained, encouraged and preached the Gospel to millions-crossing denominational, cultural and ethnic lines. During this time, he has never compromised the call to take the Gospel to every person.
Carman died on February 16, 2021 (28 days after his 65th birthday) in a Las Vegas hospital, after a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. He was survived by his ex-wife, five stepchildren and ten step-grandchildren.
The River
Carman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It doesn't matter where you've been
It doesn't matter what the scar
It doesn't matter what the sin
It doesn't matter how you fell
Somewhere along the way
There is healing for your life today
[Chorus]
There's a river that flows
From the fountain of God
And it heals everything along the way
I have tasted and know
That for every broken heart
There is healing in Jesus' name
He looks beyond how far you've gone
He looks beyond when you were hurt
He looks beyond who stole your song
He looks beyond what made it worse
He looks beyond where others failed
To reach out to you and say
There's healing for your life today
[Chorus]
It's a river that loves
It's a river that lives
It's the river of life
Living water is gives
[Chorus]
Carman's song The River reflects on the healing power of God's love and grace. The lyrics express that it doesn't matter who you are, where you've been, or what you've done, God's love is available to heal every scar and every sin. The song comforts listeners by reminding them that there is hope and healing in Jesus, no matter what pain they may be experiencing.
The first verse is a reminder that it doesn't matter what kind of hurt one has experienced, there is always healing available from God's love. The chorus reflects on the idea that there is a powerful river flowing from the fountain of God that heals everything along its path. The second verse continues to remind the listener that God's love transcends any hurt, pain or failure that they might have experienced in their life. He still cares for them and is willing to reach out and offer healing for their life today. The song ultimately reminds listeners that the river is not only a source of healing but also a source of living water that provides life.
Line by Line Meaning
It doesn't matter who you are
The healing power of the river is available to all, regardless of their identity.
It doesn't matter where you've been
The river can heal anyone, regardless of their past experiences or where they've been in life.
It doesn't matter what the scar
No injury, physical or emotional, is too great for the river's healing power.
It doesn't matter what the sin
No matter how grave the sin, the river can wash it away and provide healing.
It doesn't matter how you fell
No matter how someone has fallen or stumbled in their life, they can receive healing from the river.
Somewhere along the way
At any point in one's life journey, they can find healing from the river.
There is healing for your life today
The river's healing power is available immediately and can provide a better future.
There's a river that flows
The healing power referred to in the song is likened to a flowing river.
From the fountain of God
The source of the river's power is the divine grace of God.
And it heals everything along the way
The river's healing touch is encompassing and can heal all things it comes into contact with.
I have tasted and know
The singer has personally experienced and witnessed the healing power of the river.
That for every broken heart
The river's healing power can mend even the most broken of hearts.
There is healing in Jesus' name
The river's healing power is attributed to Jesus, who enables the river to impart grace.
He looks beyond how far you've gone
Jesus sees past one's past mistakes and failures and provides healing regardless.
He looks beyond when you were hurt
Jesus can provide healing for past traumas and pains.
He looks beyond who stole your song
Jesus can provide healing and restoration for lost creativity and artistic expression.
He looks beyond what made it worse
Jesus sees beyond the negative factors that have contributed to someone's pain, and can provide healing regardless.
He looks beyond where others failed
Even if others have failed to provide healing or support, Jesus can still provide healing.
To reach out to you and say
Jesus desires to provide healing and reach out to those in need of grace.
It's a river that loves
The river provides healing through love and compassion.
It's a river that lives
The river is alive and active, providing healing and grace to those in need.
It's the river of life
The river symbolizes the life-giving power of God's grace.
Living water it gives
The river provides a continuous source of life-giving water that can heal and sustain those who seek it.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CARMAN LICCIARDELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind