River
The Cashmans Lyrics


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Everybody knows what it′s like to fall
What it's like to fail, to hit the wall
Everybody knows what it′s like to wanna give up
Everybody feels what it is to hurt
When your heart's so dry you can only thirst
Everybody here's only human after all

There is a wellspring for the weary
There is a hope for us all

So we are running, running to the river
Diving in the water
In over our heads with love
We rise up singing, every hallelujah
Mercy has redeemed us
Rising from the river, the river

Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh

Everybody here′s got another chance
To wash the dirt from our open hands
Everybody′s got a way they can come clean
Cause the Good News is we're all the same
All sinners here but He came to save
And we′ve got something greater to believe, yeah

Cause we are running, running to the river
Diving in the water
In over our heads with love
We rise up singing, every hallelujah
Mercy has redeemed us
Rising from the river, the river

Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh

We rise up, we rise up
Living in His promise
We rise up, we rise up
Living in His love
We rise up, we rise up
Living in His promise
We rise up, we rise up
Living in His love

Oh...

So we are running, running to the river
Diving in the water
In over our heads with love
We rise up singing, every hallelujah
Mercy has redeemed us
Rising from the river, the river

Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
The river, the river




Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
The river, the river

Overall Meaning

The Cashmans's song "River" is a gospel song that touches on themes of human struggle, hope, and redemption. The lyrics encourage listeners to recognize their shared humanity and to find hope and replenishment in a divine source. The first verse acknowledges the experiences of falling, failing, hitting a wall, and feeling like giving up that are part of the human experience. The line "When your heart's so dry you can only thirst" is a powerful metaphor for the need for spiritual renewal. The song shifts towards a message of hope and renewal in the chorus, with references to a "wellspring for the weary" and "mercy" that has "redeemed us."


The refrain "running to the river, diving in the water" creates an image of cleansing and renewal, with the river symbolizing a source of divine replenishment. The line "in over our heads with love" implies that this is a feeling that cannot be fully understood or contained. The song also touches on the idea of redemption, with the line "All sinners here but he came to save" referencing a Christian belief in divine forgiveness. The song encourages listeners to believe in something greater and to find connection and hope through a shared experience of humanity.


Line by Line Meaning

Everybody knows what it′s like to fall
Everyone is familiar with the experience of failure and disappointment.


What it's like to fail, to hit the wall
Failing and hitting the wall can be a difficult and painful experience.


Everybody knows what it′s like to wanna give up
It is common for people to feel like giving up when things become too difficult.


Everybody feels what it is to hurt
Everyone has experienced pain or heartache at some point in their lives.


When your heart's so dry you can only thirst
Sometimes our hearts become numb or desensitized to emotions, causing us to only feel a sense of longing or yearning.


Everybody here's only human after all
Everyone is imperfect and prone to make mistakes, regardless of their background or status.


There is a wellspring for the weary
There is a source of renewal and strength available for those who are tired or worn out.


There is a hope for us all
No matter what we've been through, there is always a chance for things to get better and for us to find happiness.


So we are running, running to the river
We are seeking refuge and comfort by running towards an unknown source of healing.


Diving in the water
We are fully immersing ourselves in the cleansing power of the unknown source of healing.


In over our heads with love
We are overwhelmed and surrounded by the love and grace of the unknown source of healing.


We rise up singing, every hallelujah
We express our gratitude and joy by singing songs of praise and thanksgiving.


Mercy has redeemed us
We are forgiven and saved by the mercy and grace of the unknown source of healing.


Rising from the river, the river
We are reborn and renewed, emerging from the unknown source of healing.


Everybody here′s got another chance
Everyone has a second chance to start over and make things right.


To wash the dirt from our open hands
We can cleanse ourselves from our past mistakes and sins, and start anew.


Everybody′s got a way they can come clean
There is a path to redemption and forgiveness available for everyone.


Cause the Good News is we're all the same
The message of hope and redemption is available to all, regardless of our differences or past mistakes.


All sinners here but He came to save
Regardless of our flaws, we have a savior who came to offer us redemption and salvation.


And we′ve got something greater to believe, yeah
We have a greater purpose to live for, and we believe in a higher power and a greater love that guides and sustains us.


We rise up, we rise up
We are lifted up and empowered to live our lives with hope and purpose.


Living in His promise
We are living our lives with the assurance of God's promises and blessings.


Living in His love
We are surrounded and sustained by the love and grace of God.


The river, the river
The unknown source of healing is a metaphor for the cleansing power of God's love and grace.




Writer(s): Britney Cashman, Jonathan Cashman, Rusty Varenkamp, Sarah Hart

Contributed by Alice F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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