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Many Rivers to Cross
Joe Cocker Lyrics


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Many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering, I'm lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of dover

Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
I've been ripped, washed up for years
And I merely survive 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, but she wouldn't say why
Guess I'll just break right down and cry

Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin
I'm playing for time
There have been times I find myself
Thinking of committing some terrible crime

Still this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My girl left me, but she wouldn't say why
Guess I'll just break right down and cry

Many rivers to cross
But I 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
I've been ripped, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride

Overall Meaning

The song "Many Rivers To Cross" by Joe Cocker is about the struggle and difficulty of life. The opening line "Many rivers to cross, but I can't seem to find my way over" shows the endless obstacles and challenges that life presents and the feeling of being stuck and unable to progress. The lines "Wandering I'm lost as I travel along the white cliffs of Dover" suggests a journey, perhaps a physical one, but most likely an emotional one.


The chorus "And this loneliness won't leave me alone, it's such a drag to be on your own" highlights the emotional struggles the singer is going through, feeling alone and abandoned. He also reveals that his woman has left him but didn't give a reason why, which intensifies his emotional state. The line "I merely survive because of my pride" indicates that he is determined not to let his struggles overpower him and that his pride is what keeps him going.


The second verse talks about the difficulty of knowing where to start in order to find a way over the "many rivers to cross". The line "thinking of committing some terrible crime" suggests that he may be at a breaking point in his emotional and mental state. The song repeats the chorus, emphasizing the feelings of loneliness and being lost.


In conclusion, "Many Rivers To Cross" is a powerful and emotional song with lyrics that touch upon the struggles we all face in life. It speaks to the strength and determination we need to overcome our obstacles, and the loneliness that can accompany these struggles.


Line by Line Meaning

Many rivers to cross
I have many challenges to face


But I can't seem to find my way over
However, I am struggling to overcome them


Wandering, I'm lost
I am aimlessly drifting through life


As I travel along the white cliffs of dover
As I journey through difficult times


And it's only my will that keeps me alive
My inner strength is what sustains me


I've been ripped, washed up for years
I have been through many hardships and struggles


And I merely survive because of my pride
My pride is what keeps me going


And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I am plagued by feelings of isolation


It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is incredibly difficult


My woman left me, but she wouldn't say why
My partner has abandoned me without explanation


Guess I'll just break right down and cry
I am overwhelmed with emotion and grief


But just where to begin
I am unsure of how to move forward


I'm playing for time
I am trying to buy myself more time to figure things out


There have been times I find myself thinking of committing some terrible crime
I have been tempted to take drastic and harmful actions




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@joseaugustofilho2185

Many rivers to cross

But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering, I'm lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of dover
Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
I've been ripped, washed up for years
And I merely survive 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, but she wouldn't say why
Guess I'll just break right down and cry
Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin
I'm playing for time
There have been times I find myself
Thinking of committing some terrible crime
Still this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My girl left me, but she wouldn't say why
Guess I'll just break right down and cry
Many rivers to cross
But I 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
I've been ripped, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride
Compositores: Jimmy Cliff



All comments from YouTube:

@dickvandertoorn5587

Love It.... Love It...🤩😍... This Great Song ..& Great Sax ..From The Music Lover...Hollanda ...Gr.Dick

@scottliegel855

Joe is like watching a symphony conductor,,his whole body reflects the power and soul he gave us all..

@janicerockwell8417

"I know what love is." JC. ❤❤

@janicerockwell8417

There'll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover............

@MrStevie57

His voice improved with age,just a wonderful sound.

@drendahenson9698

he is sorely missed. By far my very favorites since I first heard him so many many years ago. (I'm 68) Without a doubt you Are sorely missed by me and all those who have ears to hear and a heart to. feel.

@goffertlan

From Sheffield, to the whole World... God bless you Joe, where you are... thank you

@ugonnaiwuoha7827

I recently discovered his songs, they are awesome.

@LocustIvy

This man had an incredible voice. We've lost and are losing so many of our finest.

@larrybill2661

Hello Charlotte how are you doing!!

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