Whiskey River
Johnny Carroll Lyrics

The song "Whiskey River" by Johnny Carroll is a powerful tribute to the healing power of alcohol as a means of escaping heartbreak and loss. The repeated refrain of "Whiskey River, take my mind, don't let her memory torture me" speaks volumes about the devastating effects of unrequited love, as the singer seeks solace in the bottom of a bottle. The verses depict a man who is drowning his sorrows in whiskey, lost in the memories of a past love that he cannot escape. The lyrics are written in a sort of call-and-response style, with Carroll's vocals rising and falling against the backdrop of a plaintive guitar and heavy drums.

The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer beseeches Whiskey River to "take my mind" and spare him the agony of his lost love's memory. He repeats the plea in the chorus, emphasizing the importance of the river in his life and in his heart. The metaphor of the river as a means of escape is powerful, as the singer seeks to drown himself in its currents and forget the pain of his past. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's emotional landscape, describing his heart as "warm and empty" - a poignant reminder of how love can leave an everlasting mark on a person's life.

Overall, Johnny Carroll's "Whiskey River" is a bittersweet testament to the human heart's enduring capacity for love and loss. Through its haunting melody and lyrics, the song speaks to anyone who has ever been heartbroken and felt lost in the pain of memory.