The River
Good Charlotte & M. Shadows & Synyster Gates Lyrics

As I walk through the valley
Starting a journey through a difficult, dark place

Of the shadow of LA
Referring to Hollywood with its glitz and glam hiding darker realities

The footsteps that were next to me
Friends who were once close now gone separate ways

Have gone their separate ways
Friends who were once close now gone separate ways

I've seen enough now
Having gained experience through personal hardships

To know that beautiful things
Realizing that good things in life don't always last

Don't always stay that way
Realizing that good things in life don't always last

I've done enough now
Having gone through personal struggles

To know this beautiful place
Believing that a promised land isn't as great as it once seemed

Isn't everything they say
Believing that a promised land isn't as great as it once seemed

I heard that evil comes disguised
Acknowledging that things aren't always what they seem on the surface

Like a city of angels
Acknowledging the irony of Hollywood's nickname

I'm walking towards the light
Trying to find a way out of a dark place and towards something better

Baptized in the river
Cleansing oneself of past mistakes and starting anew

I've seen a vision of my life
Having a clearer understanding of one's past and seeing a better future

And I wanna be delivered
Wanting to be free of past mistakes and struggles

In the city was a sinner
Acknowledging one's past mistakes and reckless behavior

I've done a lot of things wrong
Admitting to one's past mistakes

But I swear I'm a believer
Despite past mistakes, one still holds onto hope and faith

Like the prodigal son
Like the biblical story of a son who returns home after going astray

I was out on my own
Straying from the right path and making one's own choices

Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Seeking a way back to a better path and a better life

You're from a small town
Addressing those who come from a simpler background

You're gonna grow up fast
Life in Hollywood is fast-paced and can lead to recklessness

Underneath these lights
Referring to the glamor of Hollywood

Down in Hollywood on the boulevard
Specifically referencing the famed Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood

The dead come back to life
Although metaphorical, referencing the opportunity of second chances

To the praying mother
Recognizing the worry and concern of those left behind

And the worried father
Recognizing the worry and concern of those left behind

Let your children go
Acknowledging that sometimes one has to let go and allow others to make their own choices

If they come back, they'll come home stronger
Believing that those who go astray and make mistakes can become stronger upon their return

And if they don't, you'll know...
Implying that if they don't return, they may never have been suited for that life anyway

I confess I'm a sinner
Acknowledging one's past mistakes and behavior

I've seen a vision of my life
Having a clearer understanding of one's past and seeing a better future

And I wanna be delivered
Wanting to be free of past mistakes and struggles