River Song
David Coverdale (Whitesnake) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Raised by the sea
Baptized in muddy water
To drown the devil in me
I'm going back to the river
Down to the stream
I'm gonna follow that water
And find my dream
Where St. John be waiting on me
To wash my sins away
Hey St. Christopher pray for me
Cause baby I'm on my way
Where the rivers flow
Where the rivers flow
Just around the bend
I'll find my rainbows end
Maybe then I'll know
Where the rivers flow
You know the gypsy woman told me
About a river of gold
Full of dreams for the asking
In the valley of souls
So I called to the captain
Come on take my hand
I'm gonna follow the water
To the Promised Land
Where St. John be waiting on me
To wash my sins away
Hey St. Christopher pray for me
Cause baby I'm on my way
Where the rivers flow
Where the rivers flow
Just around the bend
I'll find my rainbows end
And maybe then I'll know
Where the rivers flow
The lyrics to David Coverdale's "River Song" are all about personal transformation and the journey towards redemption. The singer describes their early life experiences, being "born by the river" and "raised by the sea," suggesting that the natural world was an integral part of their upbringing. However, there is a darker side to the singer's past that they seek to overcome through the cleansing properties of water. They reference being "baptized in muddy water / To drown the devil in me," indicating that they have struggled with inner demons that they hope to overcome through spiritual purification.
The rest of the lyrics are all about following a river towards a destination where the singer hopes to find clarity and meaning in their life. They reference the Biblical figures St. John and St. Christopher, both of whom have associations with water and travel, suggesting that the singer is seeking guidance and support on their journey. Ultimately, the song is about the search for transcendence and the belief that the natural world can offer a sense of peace and renewal.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born by the river
My life began near a body of water
Raised by the sea
I grew up in a coastal area
Baptized in muddy water
I underwent a symbolic cleansing ritual in a dirty river
To drown the devil in me
The act of baptism was meant to wash away my sins and negative influences
I'm going back to the river
I am returning to the place of my origin
Down to the stream
To a smaller body of water that flows into the river
I'm gonna follow that water
I will trace the path of the river and its tributaries
And find my dream
I hope to discover my true purpose or ambition
Where St. John be waiting on me
I anticipate a religious figure who will assist me in achieving spiritual purity
To wash my sins away
I seek cleansing or absolution for my wrongdoings
Hey St. Christopher pray for me
I implore another saint for protection or guidance
Cause baby I'm on my way
I am determined to reach my destination
Where the rivers flow
My journey is focused on the waterways themselves
Just around the bend
I am nearing my goal
I'll find my rainbows end
I expect to reach a wonderful, fulfilling destination
Maybe then I'll know
Success will bring clarity or understanding
You know the gypsy woman told me
I was given a prophecy or insight by a fortune teller
About a river of gold
I learned of a miraculous or fabled waterway
Full of dreams for the asking
There are endless opportunities for success or fulfillment
In the valley of souls
This special place has deeper meaning or significance
So I called to the captain
I recruited a leader or guide to accompany me on my journey
Come on take my hand
I need assistance and support
To the Promised Land
I seek a place of great reward or happiness
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID COVERDALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind