In 2008, after five solo album releases, and nine with Passion, Tomlin made the move from Texas to Atlanta to be a worship leader for Giglio’s new church, Passion City Church, with its first service being held in February of 2009. Tomlin has since released four solo worship albums, two Christmas albums, and one live album.
In 2013, Tomlin’s seventh album Burning Light debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, becoming only the fourth album by a Christian artist to top that chart, along with Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) by Bob Carlisle, You Light Up My Life by LeeAnn Rimes, both in 1997, and TobyMac's Eye On It in 2012.
Tomlin has recorded some of the most famous songs ever in Christian music, such as How Great Is Our God, Holy Is The Lord, Our God, and Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
Throughout his successful career, Tomlin has won 22 GMA Dove Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and a Grammy.
Chris Tomlin’s discography: The Noise We Make (2001)Not To Us (2002)Arriving (2004)Live From Austin Music Hall (2005)See The Morning (2006)Hello Love (2008)Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship (2009) And If Our God Is For Us… (2010)How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection (2011)Burning Lights (2013) Love Ran Red (2014)Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship (2015) Never Lose Sight (2016)
River
Chris Tomlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The river was free
When I was covered in stains
The river was clean
When I was losing my way
The river found me
I can see the river
I'm letting go of all I hold onto
Let it wash away
When we were broken inside
The river was love
When we were thirsty and dry
You were more than enough
When we were drowning in lies
The river saved us
I'm dancing in the river
And I'll be here forever
I'm letting go of everything but You
Carry me away
Carry me away
The lyrics to Chris Tomlin's song "River" are a powerful representation of the transformative power of faith in a higher being. The lyrics speak of being held up in chains, being covered in stains, and losing one's way in life. But through it all, the river is there, free and clean, providing a way out of the darkness.
The river is a metaphor for God's love and mercy, cleansing and renewing those who are lost and broken. When we are broken inside, thirsty and dry, and drowning in lies, the river is love and more than enough, saving us from our troubles. Tomlin's use of the river as a symbol of redemption is a common theme in Christian music, but it is especially effective in this song. The singer is able to find peace and release by surrendering everything to the river, letting it wash away all of their sins and worries.
In the chorus, Tomlin invites the listener to join him in the river, to feel its healing power and to let go of everything that holds them back. By dancing in the river and committing to remaining there forever, the singer affirms their faith in a higher power and the redemptive nature of God.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was held up in chains
Despite being held captive or trapped, the river, symbolic of freedom, was still accessible.
The river was free
Unrestricted by boundaries or limitations, the river possessed the attribute of being free.
When I was covered in stains
Having been associated with impurities and imperfections, the river symbolized purity and cleanliness.
The river was clean
In contrast to the artist's past experiences of being unclean, the river was symbolic of cleanliness and purity.
When I was losing my way
While feeling lost, without direction or purpose, the river served as a connector, finding and leading the artist.
The river found me
Against all odds, in the midst of doubt and confusion, the river, symbolic of guidance and direction, led the singer to where they needed to be.
I can see the river
The singer is aware of the presence of the river, aware of the freedom and cleansing that it represents.
I can feel the river
Not only seeing but acknowledging and experiencing the open, flowing nature of the river.
I'm letting go of all I hold onto
The artist is relinquishing control and allowing the river to take away the burdens and worries they hold onto.
Let it wash away
Allowing the river to cleanse and purify, letting go of the past and negativity.
When we were broken inside
In moments of emotional distress or brokenness, the river represented love and healing.
The river was love
In contrast to feelings of hurt and pain, the river represented love and care.
When we were thirsty and dry
In times of desperation, the river served as a source of quenching and refreshing water.
You were more than enough
Acknowledging the sufficiency of a higher power in one's life, and their capacity to fill the emptiness within.
When we were drowning in lies
Amidst deception and falsehoods, the river represented truth and salvation.
The river saved us
With the power to cleanse and heal, the river enabled individuals to overcome their struggles.
I'm dancing in the river
With a sense of joy and energy, the artist is participating and enjoying the freedom the river represents.
And I'll be here forever
The singer intends to remain by the river's side, recognizing its importance and value.
I'm letting go of everything but You
In a state of surrender, the singer is relinquishing everything, focusing solely on their relationship with a higher power.
Carry me away
Requesting to be taken away by the river's current, allowing it to guide and lead them towards something greater.
Lyrics © Songs United Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Terence N Abney, Aramah N Brown, Eric N Daniels, Marcellus N Dawson, Raeford Godfrey Gerald, Kier N Gist, Noel N Go
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@26sherrybaby
I love THIS SONG!!!! and the video is GREAT!!! God bless you !!!!! thank you for sharing!!!
@TheMareStella
Beautiful thank you for sharing
@BaukjeM92
@26sherrybaby: Thank you! God bless you too! :D