River and his family were members of "The Children of God", living in South America, where his father John was the sect's Archbishop of Venezuela. In 1977, they moved to Los Angeles, and changed their last name to Phoenix. His parents encouraged all of their children to get into movies and, by age ten, River was acting professionally on TV. His film debut was in Explorers (1985), followed rapidly by Stand by Me (1986). His role as Danny Pope in Running on Empty (1988) earned him an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor. His best role was probably Mike Waters, the narcoleptic street hustler in My Own Private Idaho (Gus Van Sant, 1991).
River was a dedicated animal-rights activist, strict vegetarian and a member of PETA.
He also was a talented musician; he played guitar, sang, and wrote songs for his band, Aleka's Attic, which also included his sister Rain Phoenix. Although the band never released its own album, their song "Across the Way" can be found on PETA's "Tame Yourself" album, used to fight animal abuse.
2. River Phoenix was also a 90's rock band from Belgium. Later, they changed their name in Sheffield Wednesday
Until Now
River Phoenix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Until now, I've been wasting time.
I've been lost on streets of plenty.
I've been tossed on icy seas.
And all I've crossed, ain't worth a quarter.
It's muddy water, until now.
There's a light that shines forever,
There's a light, my footsteps guiding.
For I've been hiding, until now.
The opening lines of River Phoenix's song Until Now reveal a character who is just starting to see things clearly. He acknowledges that until this moment, he has been blind and wasting time. The lyrics suggest a sense of revelation and epiphany, as he realizes that all the things he has experienced up until now weren't worth much, like muddy water. However, this realization is paired with a newfound sense of hope as he discovers a light that shines for him and appears to guide his footsteps. He has been hiding until now, presumably from something or someone, but the light is leading him out of hiding and into the light of truth.
The overall meaning of the song is open to interpretation, but it seems to be about a person who is awakening to a deeper sense of purpose and direction in life. It may also be a reflective piece about a person who has been lost and is now being found. The imagery in the song is powerful, especially with the recurring theme of light and darkness, and the use of water to represent the things that we cross in life. The vocals in the song are haunting and emotional, conveying a sense of longing and yearning for something more.
Line by Line Meaning
Until now, I've been blind.
I didn't see things clearly before now.
Until now, I've been wasting time.
I didn't use my time effectively before now.
I've been lost on streets of plenty.
There have been many choices and opportunities, but I didn't feel like I had purpose or direction.
I've been tossed on icy seas.
I felt adrift, lost and uncertain in life.
And all I've crossed, ain't worth a quarter.
Despite my journey, I haven't gained anything of real value.
It's muddy water, until now.
Life felt murky and unclear, but that has changed.
There's a light that shines forever,
There's something eternal, constant and hopeful in the world.
There's a light that shines for me.
I sense this light specifically for me, it's personal.
There's a light, my footsteps guiding.
This light is a helpful guide in life.
For I've been hiding, until now.
I've kept myself hidden in shadows, not fully engaged in life. But that has changed now.
Contributed by Brooklyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@trendingsonfacebook1968
Until now, I've been blind.
Until now, I've been wasting time.
I've been lost on streets of plenty.
I've been tossed on icy seas.
And all I've crossed, ain't worth a quarter.
It's muddy water, until now.
There's a light that shines forever,
There's a light that shines for me.
There's a light, my footsteps guiding.
For I've been hiding, until now.
@screenplaysbydanny2846
A poem about River from the poetry book, “12:12 Midnight”
by Danielle Ever Rose
“FOREVER RIVER"
A peaceful river flows from the start,
Twenty three days and twenty three nights apart.
The clear water calm turning into rushing rapids,
Tearing you up before you get out.
But like a Phoenix from the ashes,
He will rise,
A beautiful spirit,
Haunting striking eyes.
A room full of vipers,
A venom so strong,
Taken away in the hollow morning songs.
This river treasure like a shooting star,
Lights up the night sky,
And for a moment,
Shines brighter than all the other stars.
Seemingly gone forever,
But never forgotten.
RIP River Phoenix.
@daydreamerzclub
I hate that no one in my generation really knows about the beautiful talent that was, River Phoenix.
@Yas-ei3st
Same sis. Same.😕😕😕
@ciarashirley2843
YasM! Same 😞
@danielac.2604
Me too
@christinakrmpk6814
Omg sis i got u
@riverphoenixhenzi7943
There’s no one around me that I can talk with about River Phoenix 😭😭
@mucasman1738
I hate looking at those comments saying it was a waste of talent. it wasn't. he used his talent since the beginning and to the end of his life. To me, he didn't waste it, he used it. anyway Rest In Peace little man we will always love you🌺
@naveennarwal4198
mucus man we will always 😭
@adam_ziegel
Tallent used in love and good will is never waisted
@Nominay
It's also erroneous since people willfully look over the fact that River was planning on retiring from acting, after Interview With the Vampire.