The River
Max and Laura Braun Lyrics


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I saw Selassie I stretch forth His hand to take I 'cross Jordan River
I saw Selassie I stretch forth His hand to take I 'cross Jordan River
I saw Selassie I stretch forth His hand to take I 'cross Jordan River
On I way to Zion

Zion, oh Rastafari
Zion, oh Rastafari
Zion, oh Rastafari
Zion, oh Lord

The man that hear the word of Jah and pardon
His heart shall be burned in fire
The man that hear the word of Jah and pardon
His heart shall be burned in fire
The man that hear the word of Jah and accept it shall be his heart desire
On I merry way to Zion

Zion, oh Rastafari
Zion, oh Rastafari




Zion, oh Rastafari
Zion, oh Lord

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Max and Laura Braun's song "The River" are a celebration and homage to Rastafarianism and the belief in Selassie I as a divine being. The song starts with the repeated line of "I saw Selassie I stretch forth His hand to take I 'cross Jordan River." This is a reference to the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the promised land. In the Rastafarian faith, Zion is often used as the symbolic Promised Land or paradise. The idea of being taken across the Jordan River by Selassie I represents the journey and transition to a new spiritual existence in Zion.


The line "The man that hear the word of Jah and pardon, his heart shall be burned in fire" is a warning to those who hear the word of Jah or God and ignore it, leading to their punishment. The follow-up line "The man that hear the word of Jah and accept it shall be his heart desire" highlights the importance of following Jah and living a righteous life. The mention of Rastafari and Zion throughout the song reinforces the idea that the Rastafarian faith is the path towards living a righteous life and reaching the ultimate spiritual destination.


Overall, "The River" is an uplifting and spiritually charged song that celebrates the beauty of Rastafarianism and the belief in Selassie I as a divine being who can guide followers to Zion.


Line by Line Meaning

I saw Selassie I stretch forth His hand to take I 'cross Jordan River
I witnessed divine intervention, where Selassie I reached out His hand to guide me across the Jordan River.


On I way to Zion
I am journeying towards Zion, the ultimate destination for Rastafarians.


Zion, oh Rastafari
Zion is the holy land where Rastafarians long to be, and this is a prayerful cry to Rastafari for guidance.


The man that hear the word of Jah and pardon
Those who truly listen and follow the teachings of Jah (God) can achieve forgiveness of their sins.


His heart shall be burned in fire
Those who do not heed the word of Jah and continue with sinful ways, will face punishment in the form of fire.


The man that hear the word of Jah and accept it shall be his heart desire
Those who truly hear and accept the teachings of Jah, will have their spiritual desires fulfilled.


Zion, oh Lord
Another prayerful cry to the Lord, asking for guidance and strength on the journey towards Zion.




Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GLEN ADAMS, MAX ROMEO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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