River
The Kingston Trio Lyrics


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[Chorus]
Rollin' river, tell me, what do you see on your long, long journey from the mountains to the sea?
Do you sparkle in the sunshine? Does your rushing waters flow?
Rollin' river take me with you when you go.

I have been travelin' hard for such a long time, searchin' for something, something to call mine.
I can see your waters flashing and it's almost like a song. I can listen to your music all night long.
[Chorus]

If my body's feelin' restless like your hurried waters flow,
When I'm longin' to go somewhere but I've got no where to go.
Pack my dreams up in my guitar case and sings these words I know,
Rollin' river take me with you when you go.

[Chorus: x3]





Rollin' river take me with you when you go.

Overall Meaning

The Kingston Trio's song "Rolling River" is a captivating tune about the journey of a river from its source in the mountains to the sea. The song's chorus invites the river to share what it has seen on its long, winding journey, asking if it sparkles in the sunlight and if its waters rush with vigor. The singer expresses a strong desire to join the river on its journey, seeking solace and belonging as he has been traveling for a long time, searching for something to call his own. The rhythm of the river, expressed through its rushing water and melodic music, captivates the singer and provides a source of inspiration.


The song has a powerful message about the passage of time and the need to seek something meaningful in our lives. It speaks to the restlessness and search for purpose that many of us feel, and the longing to be carried away by something larger than ourselves, like a rolling river. The river serves as a metaphor for life's journeys and the many different paths we might take. Tellingly, the singer asks the river to take him with it, suggesting a desire to relinquish control and allow oneself to be carried away by life's currents.


Line by Line Meaning

Rollin' river, tell me, what do you see on your long, long journey from the mountains to the sea?
The singer is asking the river what it sees throughout its long journey from its origin to its destination.


Do you sparkle in the sunshine? Does your rushing waters flow?
The singer is asking the river if its waters sparkle and flow rapidly.


Rollin' river take me with you when you go.
The singer wants the river to take them along its journey.


I have been travelin' hard for such a long time, searchin' for something, something to call mine.
The singer expresses their long journey of traveling and search for something to possess as their own.


I can see your waters flashing and it's almost like a song. I can listen to your music all night long.
The singer can see the sparkling water and enjoy listening to the sweet sound of the river.


If my body's feelin' restless like your hurried waters flow,
The singer connects their body's restlessness to the river's running water.


When I'm longin' to go somewhere but I've got no where to go.
The singer expresses a longing to go somewhere but having no destination in mind.


Pack my dreams up in my guitar case and sings these words I know,
The singer packs their dreams in their guitar and sings words they know.




Lyrics © MARGARD MUSIC
Written by: B. MACINTOSH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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