River Cross
Pearl Jam Lyrics

Always thought I'd cross that river
I had always imagined that at some point in my life I would achieve a certain goal or overcome a particular obstacle.

The other side distant now
However, over time, that goal or obstacle has become more and more distant, seemingly out of reach.

As I got close it turned and widened
Whenever I seem to be getting close to achieving my goal, something happens that makes it even more challenging and seemingly impossible to reach.

Horizon now, fading out
That once-clear goalpost has become hazy and indistinct, making it even more difficult to know how to proceed.

Drifting off in the undertow
I feel like I'm being pulled in different directions, and I'm not sure which way to go.

Can't spot a figure on dry land
I'm feeling isolated and alone, without any clear way to navigate this particular situation or challenge.

And afterthoughts of safety
As I think about the situation more, I begin to realize that there may not be a clear solution or safety net to fall back on.

When in truth, none to be had
In reality, there may not be any easy or guaranteed way out of this challenge, and I'll have to find my own way forward.

I used to tell time by my shadow
I used to have a grasp on the passage of time and was able to measure it in a familiar way.

'Til the thunder clouds, they took the stage
But then something happened to disrupt that sense of stability or familiar routine, like a storm cloud taking over the sky.

These days will end, as do the light's rays
Just like the day must eventually end and the sun set, so too will this difficult time in my life come to a close.

Another read of the same page
However, sometimes it can feel like I'm stuck in a cycle of repeating the same mistakes or running into the same challenges, without any progress.

Wide awake through this deepest night
Even when it feels like I'm lost in darkness or despair, I am determined to stay alert and keep moving forward.

Still waiting on the sun
Despite the challenges, I have hope that eventually things will get better and the sun will rise again.

As the hours seem to multiply
However, it can be difficult to keep that hope alive when the challenges seem to keep piling up and becoming more frequent or severe.

Find a star to soldier on
In these moments, it can help to have some small goal or hope to cling to, no matter how distant or insignificant it might seem.

Oh, living beneath a lion's paw
Sometimes it feels like I'm living in the shadow of something much larger and more dangerous, like a lion's paw constantly hanging overhead.

Knowing nothing can be tamed
In these moments, I have to remember that certain aspects of life are beyond my control, and all I can do is find a way to coexist with them or weather the storm.

I want this dream to last forever
There are certain moments in life that feel so perfect or fulfilling that I wish they could last forever, and that I could suspend time to remain in that state indefinitely.

A wish denied to lengthen our time
However, the reality is that all good things must come to an end, and no matter how much we may want to prolong certain moments or avoid change, it is an inevitable part of life.

I wish this moment was never ending
This desire to avoid change or prolong a moment can be especially strong when we are faced with challenges or uncertainty in the future.

Let it be a lie that all futures die
However, even when things seem uncertain or even when we are grieving a loss or setback, we can still hold onto hope that there are positive things to come in the future.

While the government thrives on discontent
Sometimes it can feel like the world around us is broken or rigged against us, and that those in power are more invested in maintaining their control than in making things better for everyone.

And there's no such thing as clear
In these moments, it can be difficult to know who or what to trust, and what the right course of action might be.

Proselytizing and profitizing
It can be frustrating to see others using their power or influence to sway others or to further their own interests, rather than working to bring about positive change.

As our will all but disappears
In these moments, it can feel like our sense of agency or motivation is slowly being eroded away, and that there is nothing we can do to make a difference.

Folded over, forced in a choke hold
It can be difficult to resist this sense of helplessness or defeat, and to keep fighting when it feels like the odds are stacked against us.

Outnumbered and held down
However, even when we feel like we are facing impossible odds or insurmountable challenges, we can still cling to our resolve and determination to keep moving forward.

And all these talk of rapture
Sometimes people will talk about dramatic or miraculous events that will save us from our struggles, without really offering any concrete solutions or advice.

Look around at the promise now
Instead of just hoping for a better future or waiting for help to arrive, it's important to take stock of the resources and opportunities we have in the present moment.

Here and now
In each moment, there is an opportunity to take action and make a difference, even if it's just a small one.

Can't hold me down
No matter how difficult or insurmountable the challenges we face may seem, we are stronger and more resilient than we realize, and we can find a way to rise above them.

Won't hold us down
Even when it feels like the world is against us, or like we will never be able to overcome a particular challenge, we can hold onto hope and keep moving forward.

Live it out
The only way we can truly experience life to its fullest is by embracing each moment and making the most of the time we have.

Let it out
It's important to express our emotions and share our experiences with others, rather than bottling them up or trying to go it alone.

Get it out
By being honest about our struggles, we can start to make progress towards finding a solution or moving past them.

Shout it out
Sometimes it can be empowering to be bold and assertive, and to demand the change we want to see in the world.

Share the light
By coming together and supporting each other, we can create a sense of hope and positivity that can help us overcome even the most difficult challenges.