Many Rivers to Cross
Harry Nilsson Lyrics


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Many rivers to cross
But I just can't seem to find
My way over
Wandering, I am lost
As I travel along
The white cliffs of Dover

Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will
That keeps me alive
Well, I've been licked, washed up for years
And I merely survived because of my pride

And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn't say why
Well, I guess I have to try

Sweet thing
Sweet thing

And this loneliness just won't leave me alone
You know it's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me but she didn't say why
So I guess I have to try, try

Many (many), many (many) rivers to cross (many rivers to cross)
But just where to begin?
I am playing for time
There have been times I found myself sitting in limbo
Alone, alone, for my lifetime

Many rivers to cross
But I just can't seem to find
My way over
Wandering, I am lost as I travel along




The white cliffs of Dover, yeah
I got too many rivers to cross

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Many Rivers to Cross" by Harry Nilsson speaks of a journey through life and the difficulties that come with it. The singer of the song talks about the many obstacles he faces and the feeling of being lost in life. The opening line, "Many rivers to cross, but I just can't seem to find my way over," reflects the idea of facing various challenges in life and feeling helpless in the face of them.


The singer speaks about feeling helpless and lost, as he moves along his journey. He compares his journey to traveling along the white cliffs of Dover, a place that is considered difficult to navigate. Despite the many obstacles, the singer doesn't give up, and the only thing that keeps him going is his willpower. The line "And it's only my will that keeps me alive," highlights the idea of having the strength to move on in life, even when things get tough.


The song also speaks about loneliness, which is a common theme in a lot of Harry Nilsson's songs. The singer talks about being lonely and how it's a "drag to be on your own." He also talks about a woman who left him, and he doesn't know why, saying, "My woman left me, but she didn't say why." However, despite all these hardships, the singer is determined to keep going and has many "rivers to cross."


Line by Line Meaning

Many rivers to cross
Life has presented me with numerous challenges and obstacles.


But I just can't seem to find my way over
Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome these challenges yet.


Wandering, I am lost as I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
I feel directionless and uncertain, as if I am aimlessly wandering along a dangerous path.


And it's only my will that keeps me alive
My determination and inner strength are the only things keeping me going through these struggles and hardships.


Well, I've been licked, washed up for years, and I merely survived because of my pride
I have been beaten down and defeated for a long time, and only my refusal to give up and my sense of self-respect have kept me going.


And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I feel a deep sense of isolation and disconnect from others.


It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is extremely difficult and draining.


My woman left me and she didn't say why
My romantic partner abandoned me without explanation.


Well, I guess I have to try
Despite the pain and uncertainty, I must keep attempting to move forward.


And this loneliness just won't leave me alone
My feelings of isolation persist and continue to torment me.


You know it's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is a heavy emotional burden to bear.


My woman left me but she didn't say why
I am still struggling to come to terms with my partner's sudden departure.


So I guess I have to try, try
I will continue to work towards moving on, despite the pain and uncertainty.


But just where to begin?
I am not sure how to start overcoming my obstacles.


I am playing for time
I am trying to stall and delay because I feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed.


There have been times I found myself sitting in limbo
I have felt stuck and unable to make progress, unsure of what to do next.


Alone, alone, for my lifetime
I feel as though I have always been alone, and the loneliness will continue indefinitely.


I got too many rivers to cross
There are too many obstacles in my path to overcome easily or quickly.




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group,
Written by: James Chambers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

ronald labbe

two of the greatest song writers, today's generation have no one like this,sad.

primesspct2

one of my all time favorite albums.... so adeptly switches tempos and styles.....goose bumps... and i admit it ;maybe a tear.

salamanca1954

Don't be shy to shed a tear or more on these songs. They come from the heart!

Aaron S.

They are such a natural match. No wonder they became such good friends. Their styles melded magically. So glad I stumbled on this album. Iโ€™ve heard some songs here and there, but itโ€™s satisfying to hear the entire album from beginning to end.

David Edwards

A masterful cover... amazing that this channel should publish it today, as I was listening to it last night.

Mojo Walls

This cover has been around awhile. Me personally I feel it's a bit better than the original.

Justinedwords

@Mojo Wallsits way heavier. I like that

Glenn's Music Channel

This song's production and even some chords reminds me ever so slightly of John's #9 Dream.

Raven Dill

I was just thinking the same thing!

Justinedwords

Its the slide guitar which im guessing is john?

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