While Gayle is the younger sister of Loretta Lynn, her musical sound is very different from Lynn's. Gayle's career began as country music moved towards a more pop-oriented sound in the 1970s, as exemplified by such performers as Lynn Anderson and Barbara Mandrell. Gayle's music reflects the modern Nashville sound.
River Road
Crystal Gayle Lyrics
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With my suitcase in my hand
And I'm running away down River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
Yes, I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Mama said, listen child
You're too old to run wild
So I grabbed some clothes and I ran
Stole five dollars from a sugar can
A twelve year old jail breaker runnin' away
Here I go once again
With my suitcase in my hand
And I'm running away down River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Well, I married a pretty good man
And he tries to understand
But he knows I've got leavin' on my mind these days
When I get that urge to roam
I'm just like a kid again
The same old jail breaker runnin' away
Here I go once again
With my suitcase in my hand
And I'm running away down River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Crystal Gayle's song "River Road" tells the story of a woman who is constantly searching for adventure and freedom. The lyrics suggest that the character has always been drawn to the idea of running away, a desire that dates back to her childhood. The song opens with the woman announcing that she is leaving once again, with her suitcase in hand. She is determined to chase her dreams, regardless of the distance she has to travel or the people she has to leave behind. Her mother's voice echoes in her head, warning her that she is too old to be living so recklessly. But the woman cannot be dissuaded, and she sets out on her journey down River Road.
The chorus of the song is haunting, with the woman repeating that she will never come home. It's unclear whether she is entirely committed to the idea of never returning, or if it's just a way of psyching herself up for the road ahead. Either way, she is unapologetic about her wanderlust. Later in the song, she confesses that she has settled down with a good man who tries to understand her restlessness. But even with a stable home life, she cannot resist the urge to pack her bags and set out on a new adventure. The repeated references to running away and "jailbreaking" suggest that the woman sees herself as a rebel, a rogue spirit who is always on the move.
Overall, the lyrics to "River Road" capture the restlessness and yearning for adventure that many people feel at some point in their lives. The song paints a vivid picture of a woman who is determined to follow her dreams, even when it means leaving behind everything she knows.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go once again
Starting this journey again
With my suitcase in my hand
Carrying my belongings with me
And I'm running away down River Road
Escaping through River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
Making a promise that I won't return
Yes, I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Pursuing my aspirations on this path
Mama said, listen child
Mother advised me
You're too old to run wild
I'm mature enough to not wander aimlessly
You're too big to be fishin' with the boys these days
I'm too grown-up to be playing with boys
So I grabbed some clothes and I ran
I took my clothes and fled
Stole five dollars from a sugar can
Took money from a secret hiding place
A twelve year old jail breaker runnin' away
Escaping from home as a juvenile
Well, I married a pretty good man
I entered into a marriage with a decent man
And he tries to understand
My spouse attempts to comprehend
But he knows I've got leavin' on my mind these days
But he's aware that I want to leave
When I get that urge to roam
When I feel the need to travel
I'm just like a kid again
I feel young once more
The same old jail breaker runnin' away
The same juvenile escaping once more
Here I go once again
Starting this journey again
With my suitcase in my hand
Carrying my belongings with me
And I'm running away down River Road
Escaping through River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
Making a promise that I won't return
I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Pursuing my aspirations on this path
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Delicia Mc Shane
Here I go once again
With my suitcase in my hand
And I'm running away down River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
Yes, I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Mama said, listen child
You're too old to run wild
You're too big to be fishin' with the boys these days
So I grabbed some clothes and I ran
Stole five dollars from a sugar can
A twelve year old jail breaker runnin' away
Here I go once again
With my suitcase in my hand
And I'm running away down River Road
And I swear, once again, that I'm never coming home
I'm chasing my dreams down River Road
Well, I married a pretty good man
And he tries to understand
But he knows I've got leavin' on…
Darrell Hagan
2021 - Still one of my favorite songs of all time. SO many memories. SO much more art, heart & soul than modern junk.
Garry Clark
Don’t get music this good now a days love it 😍
wpaladin48
That's for sure!
Jason Lescorbeau
My mom loved her and as a child seeing her on the Muppet Show made me love her and country music in general, next to Dolly and Patsy!!!
Vici Yuimi
I remember my dad listening to this song many many years back,, love this song.
mE2
My dad also used to play this song.
JusLiveMylyfe
God I love the way she sings this song
Audinos
I grew up listening to her on 8-tracks in my parents’ car. I’d forgotten how beautiful her voice is.
Kim Kochel
Beautiful rendition of Sylvia Tysons song. I always have liked both versions. They are both a little different. Thank you Sylvia and Crystal. From an Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 fan.
Jaime Gartman
My mom always sang this song to me when I was growing up