Janeway is a young man who began wailing straight out of the womb, and most folks would agree that he hasn’t stopped since. “Oh what a set of lungs that child has,” they’d say, “he must be destined for something special.” Not wishing to disappoint, and being a good southern boy, Paul began singing in church, stretching his vocal cords with an eye toward becoming a man of the cloth.
The cloth, however, didn’t appreciate young Paul’s affinity for dirty jokes, Prince, and Tom Waits, and he was inclined to search elsewhere for co-conspirators. He began plying his trade with whomever would have him. With a wholly re-imagined take on the sounds he’d grown up singing and seeking, Paul recruited a rag-tag band of like-minded weirdoes, visionaries, and hacks to help him harness the power he now knew he possessed. Under the nom du guerre St. Paul and the Broken Bones, the motley crew roams the countryside looking to get cabooses shakin’, faces meltin’, and brothers and sisters everywhere testifyin’
Like a Mighty River
St. Paul & The Broken Bones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know what to call him but he's mighty like a rose
Lookin' at his mammy with eyes so shiny blue
Make you think that heaven is comin' close to you
When he's there sleepin' in his little place
Think I see angels lookin' through the lace
When the dark and fallin', when the shadows creep
Sweetest little fellow, everybody knows
Don't know what to call him but he's mighty like a rose
Lookin' at his mammy with eyes so shiny blue
Make you think that heaven is comin' close to you
When the dark and fallin', when the shadows creep
Then they comes on tiptoe to kiss him in his sleep
Sweetest little fellow, everybody knows
Don't know what to call him but he's mighty like a rose
Lookin' at his mammy with eyes so shiny blue
Make you think that heaven is comin' close to you
The lyrics to St. Paul's song "Like A Mighty River" paint a vivid image of a sweet and innocent little boy who captures the hearts of those around him. The first verse describes his beauty and strength, comparing him to a mighty rose. The second verse delves into the peacefulness of his sleeping, imagining angels coming to kiss him in his sleep. The final verse emphasizes the celestial quality of his presence, making those around him believe that heaven is near.
However, there is much more to this song than just the surface level description of a charming child. Some interpretations suggest that the song is more deeply rooted in religious imagery, with the little boy symbolizing Jesus Christ. The references to heaven and angels could be seen as a nod to Christ's divine presence on earth. Additionally, the mention of the color blue in the second verse can be connected to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is often depicted wearing blue robes.
Another layer of meaning comes from the historical context of the song's creation. "Like A Mighty River" was written during the Civil Rights Movement and was popularized as a hymn during that time. The idea of a pure, innocent child could be viewed as a symbol of hope during a time of great social unrest and upheaval. The song's message of finding solace in something beautiful and pure in the face of turmoil is a message that still resonates today.
Overall, "Like A Mighty River" is more than just a simple song about a cute child - it's a complex and layered work that touches on themes of religion, hope, and inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweetest little fellow, everybody knows
This child is universally recognized as charming and endearing.
Don't know what to call him but he's mighty like a rose
The child may not have a name yet, but he possesses a powerful and captivating essence akin to that of a rose.
Lookin' at his mammy with eyes so shiny blue
The child gazes at his mother with bright blue eyes, evoking a sense of purity and wonder.
Make you think that heaven is comin' close to you
The child's presence is so divine that it feels like a glimpse of heaven on earth.
When he's there sleepin' in his little place
When the child is peacefully asleep in his bed,
Think I see angels lookin' through the lace
It seems as though angels are peering through the curtains, watching over the child.
When the dark and fallin', when the shadows creep
As night approaches and darkness descends,
Then they comes on tiptoe to kiss him in his sleep
the angels come quietly to kiss the child on the forehead while he's sleeping.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ETHELBERT WOODBRIDGE NEVIN, FRANK L. STANTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Betty Ann Simnovec
Robert m..
ANOTHER SONG THAT YOU SHARED WITH ME MY LOVE....
SEE IT WHENEVER THE HELL YOU TURN ON YOUR STUPID PHONE ROBERT.... .
GO FIGURE ROBERT 24 DAYS??????????
YOU HAVE MADE ME CRY AND LOSE SLEEP AGAIN.....
SEE THIS WHENEVER THE HELL YOU TURN ON YOUR PHONE AGAIN...
BAA
XOXOXO
Love is Motorcycle
I got chills during that guitar solo and when the drums kicked back in. Awesome band. Can't wait to see them live in 2021!
Zack Morse
These guys are the real deal, said the guy who plays guitar, bass, keyboards & drums ... I <3 St. Paul & The Broken Bones. This is what 85% of music these days is missing: heart & soul.
Bobbie Chapman
Out of control Emotion, Musicianship, it lifts me.
Much Blessings Guys...
Sara Santos
man, these guys have the groove
Martha Stephens
I can't get enough of these soulful passionate guys. Raw talent ! The real deal ! What a frontman!
TheBlackBoxBand
Whoa! These guys have some serious soul going on here! 🔥
David Mosher
I just love the guitarist's "player's face". Really into it!
erick7777
OMG, my eyes see white, but my ears hear black. What groove, what soul! Ooooh child...!
Logan Arndt
Truly love this song! I've seen this group in Madison, WI and Telluride, CO!
Lizz Farhat
Can't wait to see them live tomorrow night!