Irma Thomas (b. February 18, 1941, Ponchatoula, Louisiana) whose only natio… Read Full Bio ↴Irma Thomas (b. February 18, 1941, Ponchatoula, Louisiana) whose only national chart hit in a 50 year career is 1963's "Wish Someone Would Care", is an enduring, Grammy winning, soul, gospel, rhythm and blues singer from New Orleans. Known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans", she is a contemporary of Aretha Franklin and Etta James, but did not tour as relentlessly, and industry support and major commercial success eluded her for decades. Thomas, who once was told by execs at Atlantic in the late 60's that "she just didn't have it anymore", remained undaunted, and continues to perform to a loyal and growing following worldwide. She was finally awarded a Grammy for her 2006 Rounder album " After the Rain", after more than 40 years as singer. She won The Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy again for her 2008 album "Simply Grand".

Releasing her first single in 1959, she struggled to launch her career from segregated New Orleans as a teenage waitress with 4 children in the early 60's. Now, finally undergoing a late career renaissance on the Rounder label, much of her most enduring work was produced in the early 1960's by Allen Toussaint for Minit Records, and she also recorded for other labels including Imperial, Chess, and Atlantic, eventually retiring for a period before reviving her career in earnest in the late 1980's.

Thomas is perhaps best known outside of New Orleans for her recording of "Time Is On My Side," which predated the hit version by the Rolling Stones. Otis Redding's hit "Pain In My Heart" was built on an earlier song, "Ruler of My Heart," recorded by Thomas.

Thomas is still active as a performer, appearing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and various tour dates in the US and Europe. She has reigned as Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season and often headlined at her own club, the Lion's Den, which is now out of business due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Irma Thomas has participated in numerous post-Katrina charity projects including The New Orleans Social Club, and won numerous awards including the Offbeat Magazine Award, Mojo Magazine's Legends award, Big Easy Award, a Family Services Award and many more. In 2009, Scott Billington compiled a Rounder records retrospective "Irma Thomas: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of The Soul Queen of New Orleans: " .

River is Waiting
Irma Thomas Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The river is waiting, come rise up
A new day is coming, come rise up

They'll be sailing at first light, come gather
Said I force for the crossing, together

[Chorus]
Sail on, sail on, river, sail on

Sail on, sail on, river, sail on

The river is waiting, I'm ready
To step from this island, I'm ready
Gonna leave all my sorrows, behind me
Lift my face to a new day, I'm rising

[Chorus: x4]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Irma Thomas's song "River is Waiting" capture the idea of moving on and starting anew. The first verse talks about the dawn of a new day and beckons the listener to rise and make their way to the river. The second verse speaks of leaving behind sorrow and embracing the new day. The chorus reinforces the idea of moving forward and sailing on, with the repetition of the phrase "Sail on, sail on, river, sail on."

The river itself is a metaphor for the passage of time and the journey through life. It is a symbol of change and renewal, with each bend in the river promising new opportunities and experiences. The references to sailing and crossing suggest that the journey may not always be smooth, but that the river will carry us through.

Overall, the lyrics of "River is Waiting" encourage listeners to let go of the past and embrace the present and future. They remind us that life is a journey, and that we must keep moving forward to reach our destination.

Line by Line Meaning

The river is waiting, come rise up
The opportunity for change is present, let's take advantage of it and rise up

A new day is coming, come rise up
A new beginning is on its way, let's rise up to embrace it

They'll be sailing at first light, come gather
The journey towards a better future begins early, let's gather and prepare to embark together

Said I force for the crossing, together
We must travel across the river of life together, with the strength of unity

Sail on, sail on, river, sail on
Continue flowing towards the future, river of life, continue flowing

The river is waiting, I'm ready
The opportunity for a fresh start is here, and I'm prepared to take advantage of it

To step from this island, I'm ready
I'm ready to leave my past behind and move forward

Gonna leave all my sorrows, behind me
I will no longer let my troubled past hold me down

Lift my face to a new day, I'm rising
I'm ready to face the future with a positive outlook and renewed spirit

Sail on, sail on, river, sail on
Continue flowing towards the future, river of life, continue flowing

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FOGERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind