Roll River Roll
HAWLEY Richard Lyrics

The lyrics of Hawley Richard's song Roll River Roll displays a melancholic and mournful tone. The song begins with the singer addressing the river to keep on rolling, as he feels forsaken, lost and forgotten. The phrase "ancient lady cold" is a metaphorical representation of the river's timeless and indifferent nature, that has witnessed several generations of people coming and going, as their stories become a part of the river's memories. The repetition of the phrase "Roll river, roll river roll" emphasises the constant and uninterrupted flow of the river despite the singer's woes.

The second verse expresses the hope that the river will free and unchain the singer, leading him home to reunite with his beloved. The use of the word "hope" reflects the singer's ambiguous expectations of reuniting with his sweetheart, as he still remains unsure. The river is personified as a supernatural being with a consciousness, capable of guiding the traveller towards their destination, in this case, leading the singer home.

The final verse of the song expresses the singer's desire to be reunited with his sweetheart, and his willingness to dive into the deep, dark waters to uncover the river's secrets. The phrase "river angel rise" refers to the mythical notion of river deities in pagan traditions, who would protect and guide the travellers through rough waters. In conclusion, the song speaks of loss, hope, and the power of nature to heal and guide us through our toughest journeys.