They prefer the sound of vintage musical instruments, particularly the upright piano, and have often recorded at Marcata Recording, a recording studio built in Harlem in 1999 by the three former members of Jonathan Fire*Eater and later relocated to upstate New York.
Each of the members of The Walkmen grew up in and around the Washington, D.C. area, played in many of the same bands from early in their careers, and even attended the same Washington-area high school. The bandmates eventually moved to Harlem and became a part of the burgeoning New York City rock scene.
The band was formed in 2000 following the breakup of two separate bands: Jonathan Fire*Eater, whose members included Martin, Maroon and Barrick, and The Recoys, whose members included Leithauser and Bauer. The three members from Jonathan Fire*Eater, which had recorded for Dreamworks Records, had money left over from that past recording contract and used the remaining funds to construct a rehearsal space in uptown New York. The rehearsal space featured a 24-track recording studio and was dubbed Marcata Studios.
The newly-formed band, who wished to distance themselves from the garage rock sounds of previous bands, released a self-titled EP of songs in 2001 on Startime International, a small Brooklyn-based record label.[4] Shortly after release of the EP, which featured an eccentric blend of upright pianos and other vintage instruments, The Walkmen made their official live debut with a performance at Joe's Pub in the East Village.
The 2002 debut album Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone, released by Startime, was well received by critics. The album was noted for its innovative approach to atmosphere and instrumentation, with sparse bass and drums complemented by plinking piano, jangly guitars and Leithauser's unique vocal stylings. Two of the songs on the album, "The Blizzard of '96" and "That's the Punchline," were adaptations of tracks meant for The Recoys' unreleased full-length album.
Many Rivers to Cross
The Walkmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I just can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along white cliffs of Dover
Many rivers to cross
And it's all in my mind
Keeps me alive
Well I've been licked washed up for years
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn't say why
And I guess, and I guess I have to try, try
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn't say why
And I guess, and I guess I have to try, try
Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin?
I'm playing for time
There have been times I've found myself
Sitting in limbo, oh no, oh no,
For a lifetime
Many rivers to cross
And I just can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along white cliffs of Dover
The Walkmen's "Many Rivers To Cross" is a song about feeling lost and alone, with various obstacles blocking the singer's path as he struggles to find his way. The lyrics mention "many rivers to cross," which could represent any number of struggles or hardships in life that we have to overcome. However, despite these challenges, the singer is determined to "try" and find his way forward.
The first verse of the song sets the tone, with the singer admitting that he "just can't seem to find [his] way over" the many obstacles in his path. He is "wandering" and feels "lost" as he travels along the white cliffs of Dover. This sense of aimlessness is further emphasized in the second verse, where the singer talks about feeling "licked washed up for years" and merely surviving due to his own pride. He is struggling with loneliness and the feeling of being on his own after his woman left him without explanation.
The chorus repeats twice, with a sense of resignation as the singer acknowledges that there are "many rivers to cross" but he just can't seem to find his way over. The song ends with a final verse where the singer talks about "playing for time" and finding himself "sitting in limbo" for what feels like a lifetime.
Overall, "Many Rivers To Cross" is a poignant and thought-provoking ballad that speaks to the struggles we all face in life. Its powerful and emotive lyrics capture the essence of what it means to be lost and alone, while the atmospheric instrumentals and haunting backing vocals further enhance the mood.
Line by Line Meaning
Many rivers to cross
There are many obstacles and challenges in my life
But I just can't seem to find my way over
I am struggling to overcome these obstacles
Wandering I am lost
I am aimlessly searching for direction
As I travel along white cliffs of Dover
My journey is difficult and uncertain
And it's all in my mind
My struggles are internal and psychological
Keeps me alive
My determination to survive and succeed is what motivates me
Well I've been licked washed up for years
I have faced many defeats and disappointments
And I merely survived cause of my pride
Despite my struggles, I have managed to hang on because of my stubbornness and sense of self-worth
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I am struggling with feelings of isolation and sadness
It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is emotionally and mentally taxing
My woman left me and she didn't say why
The end of my relationship has left me feeling confused and hurt
And I guess, and I guess I have to try, try
I must keep moving forward and trying to find happiness despite the challenges in my life
But just where to begin?
I am unsure of how to move forward
I'm playing for time
I am delaying making big decisions and hoping that things will improve on their own
There have been times I've found myself
I have experienced moments of uncertainty and confusion
Sitting in limbo, oh no, oh no,
I feel stuck and unsure of what to do next
For a lifetime
This struggle has been ongoing and feels like it will never end
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MultiBullocks
this is fucking beautiful. Ive been listening to the walkmen for a loooong time, and just found this. I guess ''Pandora'' is good for something.
sopaperico1
Can this be more brilliant? I doubt it
Forkandoutletz
this song is great!
2548demolidor
Amazing!
Uri ol
La puta gloria !!!!!!!!!
Beggars Night
Holy shit, they just did a straight cover of the nilsson-lennon version. But then, I would have too, even though it's impossible to reach the raw power of nilsson's screaming.
Mischa Smith
Yeah, they did the whole album, track by track.
mcsc177
lmao i love ur description. "I dont own this. I just love it."
Gombeen Official Music Channel
Very serious version altogether.
Easy Rider
i was shocked and felt how wonderful i were that I accidentally clicked into this page...