Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
Deep River Woman
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
I spent a night in L.A.
Just another chance to see you
Wanted you to know
That my playing days are over
'Cause all I do is think of you
The writing's on the wall
Deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
I've been out in the world
Yes, the fast life had me going
Now all that's changed
I finally make up my mind
About the one thing
I've been knowing
You're the only girl
I've ever cared for in this world
Deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
You kind of love girl is forever
It took me a long time to realize
That I've come so far
And end up going nowhere
Oh, girl, I need you by my side
Oh deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
The song "Deep River Woman" by Lionel Richie is about a man who has been away from home, travelling around the world and chasing after the fast life. However, despite his adventures and successes, he realizes that he is missing something - the love of a particular woman, whom he considers his "deep river woman." He tells her through the lyrics that he is finally coming home to her, and that he has stopped his playing ways because all he can think about is her.
The song seems to be reflecting on the idea that no matter how far a person may go or how successful he or she may become, there is always something missing without love. In this case, the man's love for the woman is what makes him feel complete and whole. He recognizes that she has been patiently waiting for him and is excited to return to her and give her all of his love. Overall, "Deep River Woman" is a romantic song about the power of love and the importance of coming back to those who matter most in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep river woman
The subject of the song is a woman living by a deep river
Lord I'm coming home to you
The singer is returning to this woman
Lord I know she's waiting
He is certain that the woman is waiting for him
Just anticipating all my love
He believes that the woman is eagerly waiting for his love
I spent a night in L.A.
The singer recently visited Los Angeles
Just another chance to see you
The reason for his visit was to see the woman
Just you and I
He only wants to be with the woman
Wanted you to know
He wants to let her know
That my playing days are over
He no longer wants to play the field
'Cause all I do is think of you
He can't stop thinking about her
The writing's on the wall
It's obvious that he is in love with her
I've been out in the world
He has been traveling and experiencing life
Yes, the fast life had me going
He was caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle
Now all that's changed
He has changed his ways
I finally make up my mind
He has made a decision
About the one thing
He knows what he wants
I've been knowing
He has known this for a while
You're the only girl
She is the only one for him
I've ever cared for in this world
He has never cared for anyone else like he cares for her
You kind of love girl is forever
He believes that her love is eternal
It took me a long time to realize
It has taken him a while to accept this truth
That I've come so far
He has gone through a lot to get here
And end up going nowhere
His previous actions did not lead him to happiness
Oh, girl, I need you by my side
He desires to have her with him
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@randommizukiperson
Deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
I spent a night in L.A.
Just another chance to see you
Just you and I
Wanted you to know
That my playing days are over
'Cause all I do is think of you
The writing's on the wall
Deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
I've been out in the world
Yes, the fast life had me going
Now all that's changed
I finally make up my mind
About the one thing
I've been knowing
You're the only girl
I've ever cared for in this world
Deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
You kind of love girl is forever
It took me a long time to realize
That I've come so far
And end up going nowhere
Oh, girl, I need you by my side
Oh deep river woman
Lord I'm coming home to you
Deep river woman
Lord I know she's waiting
Just anticipating all my love
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Lionel Richie
Deep River Woman lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
Available on
@mybrotherskids1086
Regardless of this song's age it always sounds fresh and it's always soul grabbing. With the talent involved in this song there's no doubt why it is evergreen, never fading, and always timeless.
@jcfins75
This is what happens when the best of country music and the best of Pop unite. Both of these artists were at the top of their game when this song came out. An absolutely awesome collaboration. The talent that was in the song was overwhelming.
@lbdjthethird1240
Oh THAT is why when I was a kid I heard this on the country music station. You just cleared up a decades long mystery.
@LovelyLonewolf-mc3ld
Love all of his songs, bring back beautiful memories 🙏
@tjiuoviojekahimise3072
We don’t search for old songs…
we search for old memories.😢
@aune2241
So true ,I agree 💯 with you from Namibia 🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦🇳🇦
@Garland6777
It's now halfway through the year 2022, and how is it that I'm just now finding this song. Such a beautiful song, I absolutely love how they harmonize together. Such a soothing song to listen to over and over again.
@phillipkali4438
Words can't explain how beautiful these song is...
@Garland6777
I know right! I feel the same way
@robertsowell4110
Lionel is a master song writer, easily one of the greatest