Ride the River
J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton Lyrics


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Floatin' down that old river, boy
All my worries far behind
Floatin' down that old river, boy
Leave old memories way behind

Yesterday is slowly fadin'
All my life I've been waitin'
For this time

Floatin' down that old river, boy
Leaves me feelin' good inside
Floatin' down that old river, boy
Tryin' to get to the other side

Yesterday is slowly fadin'
I've been waitin' now forever
For this ride

Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river

Floatin' down that old river, boy
All my worries far behind
Floatin' down that old river, boy
Leave old memories way behind

Yesterday is slowly fadin'
I've been waitin' now forever
For this ride

Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river

Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river




Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Ride the river in this boat, ride the river

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton's song "Ride the River" describe a peaceful and therapeutic experience of floating down a river, leaving behind past worries and memories. The repetition of the phrase "floatin' down that old river, boy" emphasizes the singer's enjoyment and relief in the moment. The line "all my worries far behind" reveals a desire to escape from everyday anxieties and find peace in nature. The singer feels good inside, as the ride down the river allows him to let go of the past and embrace the present. The song encourages listeners to let go of their troubles and simply enjoy the ride.


The lyrics also highlight the singer's long-awaited anticipation to experience this peaceful moment. The lines "all my life I've been waitin'" and "I've been waitin' now forever" underscore the importance of this experience to the singer. This emphasizes the significance of taking time for oneself to find peace.


Overall, "Ride the River" is a soothing song that encourages listeners to find peace and clarity by immersing themselves in nature. The lyrics paint a vivid image of floating down a river, allowing one's worries to fade away and the present moment to take center stage.


Line by Line Meaning

Floatin' down that old river, boy
Enjoying a leisurely ride down the familiar river


All my worries far behind
Feeling carefree and relaxed without any concerns


Leave old memories way behind
Letting go of past experiences and thoughts


Yesterday is slowly fadin'
The past is gradually fading away


All my life I've been waitin'
I have been eagerly anticipating this experience my whole life


For this time
For this particular moment in my life


Leaves me feelin' good inside
Causes a positive emotional response within me


Tryin' to get to the other side
Attempting to reach a desired destination across the river


I've been waitin' now forever
I've been waiting for this moment for an extremely long time


Ride the river in this boat, ride the river
Sail down the river on this boat and enjoy the experience




Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management
Written by: J.J. CALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@dalegreenbear8475

This song is my life. Thank you guys for writing such a beautiful song. I'm 41 years old & I made it. Two beautiful twin girls. I've been waiting for this moment all my life.

@dalegreenbear8475

When I say " made it" I meant made it as in after 30 years I'm no longer dependent on any substances just high on Life
~" Rolling down that old river boy leaving old memories behind"

EC & JC

@FirCorred

Dale Green Bear - this is such an amazing song. Your comment made it even better. I'm so very happy for you! All the best, now, forever,in your life (:

@Kazmonator

The harmonies and synergy between them both on this track is just sublime .

@rickcornell2841

I hate to admit this in front of a crowd but, I have only recently come by this outstanding music and musician. I thought I had a fairly good music history but when met Mr Vale my first response was; wow! Who taught who, Clapton or Cale? What rock have I been under to have missed this great music. RIP Mr. Cale, you and your music live on. Stay Calm. Be Safe.

@genehenrylindgren

It's amazing how good these guys are playing.

@johannespontasch1135

RIP JJ. Thanx for the memories, great music by the way

@rodneyvaneck7865

Great music never ages. 2020 and I'm rockin' my socks off at 68. Clapton's guitar mastery just puts the cherry on top, and that's not saying JJ is far behind Clapton. A track you want to keep on Repeat.

@susanlee880

me too at 66

@georgeprice5456

@@susanlee880 hope you catch up with me 77 going on 21🚀

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