“Lightman’s dusky vocals and earthy, groovy vibe invite comparisons to Joan Osborne and Sheryl Crow”
- USA TODAY
“no small talent… Toby Lightman continues to shine a light on her knack for making rich, soulful pop”
- PEOPLE
From releasing her first two records, Little Things (2004) and Bird on a Wire (2006) on Atlantic Records, to releasing two independent records, Let Go (2008) and Know Where I'm From (2010), which featured a limited edition, sold out fan participation book, on her own T Killa Records, Toby Lightman has been very busy.
Toby has performed on various National TV shows such as Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, NBC's Today Show, and CBS' Second Cup. She has toured with renowned artists such as Rob Thomas, Jewel, James Blunt, Gavin DeGraw, Train, Marc Cohn, Lilith Fair 2010 and on one memorable evening, Prince.
Since becoming an independent artist, it has seemed as though her career has really blossomed through much success with film and TV placements including "Everyday" on Fox's Bones, "Holding a Heart" from her side project Girl Named Toby on WB's One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries as well as the feature film What's Your Number?, "Let Go" as the HSN commercial theme song, "Snow Day" as the KMart commercial theme song, "Addicted" which aired recently in the ongoing commercial for ABC's Desperate Housewives and too many other features to mention in this tiny blip. Excited about what lies ahead, Toby is now busier than ever working on her newest record, which is due for release later this year … to be continued!
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The River
Toby Lightman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the lights are dim, are you going to come crying to me?
'Cause you're sitting there with your legs crossed looking so carefree...
Do you think you can run away from your so-called misery?
'Cause you know the tide ain't rollin' in for you
The tide ain't rollin' in for me
Are you going to sink?
Because I'll take you down to the river...
Yes, I'll take you down to the river...
In the end I'll take you down to the river...
But you're going in.... you're going in...
Now the choice is yours, are you in or are you going to back out?
Well this is your life baby are you going to take a look around?
You seem to think that all of your chances are going to take you down
I'm telling you to open up your eyes and take those feet off the ground.
'Cause you know the tide ain't rollin' in for you
The tide ain't rollin' in for me
Are you going to sink?
Are you going to swim?
Because I'll take you down to the river...
Yes, I'll take you down to the river...
Don't you know I'll take you down to the river...
But you're going in.... you're going in...
Now the roads are closed, do you know where you should be?
Now the lights are dim, are you going to come crying to me?
'Cause you know the tide ain't rollin' in for you
The tide ain't rollin' in for me
Are you going to sink?
Are you going to swim?
Because I'll take you down to the river...
Yes, I'll take you down to the river...
In the end I'll take you down to the river...
But you're going in.... you're going in...
The lyrics of Toby Lightman's song The River seem to be directed towards someone who is struggling in life or making poor choices. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, mentions the tide not rolling in for either the singer or the person they're addressing, indicating that they're both facing challenges or obstacles. The singer is urging the other person to open their eyes and take a look around at their situation, and to make a decision about whether they'll sink or swim. The river, which the singer is willing to take the other person down to, seems to represent a symbol of change or a fresh start.
The first verse portrays the other person as carefree and potentially self-destructive, sitting with their legs crossed while roads are closed and the lights are dim. The singer questions whether this person thinks they can run away from their problems, suggesting that the roadblocks they're facing won't simply disappear. The choice between sinking and swimming is emphasized again with the line "Are you going to come crying to me?" implying that the singer won't simply rescue the other person without any effort on their part.
The second verse urges the other person to take control of their own life and make choices about where they want to go from there. They may feel that their chances are limited or that they're destined for failure, but the singer insists that they can at least take their feet off the ground and start moving somewhere. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song shows that the singer is committed to helping the other person but also recognizes that they can't do all the work for them.
Line by Line Meaning
The roads are closed, do you know where you should be?
Are you lost and unsure of where you're headed in life?
When the lights are dim, are you going to come crying to me?
Will you turn to me for comfort when times get tough?
'Cause you're sitting there with your legs crossed looking so carefree...
You may appear relaxed, but are you really content with your life?
Do you think you can run away from your so-called misery?
Do you believe that avoiding your problems will make them go away?
'Cause you know the tide ain't rollin' in for you
You're aware that life isn't easy for you
Are you going to sink?
Will you give up?
Are you going to swim?
Will you fight to overcome your challenges?
Because I'll take you down to the river...
I'm willing to help you face your struggles
Yes, I'll take you down to the river...
I'm committed to being there for you
In the end I'll take you down to the river...
I'll always support you through tough times
But you're going in.... you're going in...
You'll have to face your problems head-on, I can only guide you
Now the choice is yours, are you in or are you going to back out?
You have to decide if you're ready to confront your struggles or not
Well this is your life baby are you going to take a look around?
Are you going to evaluate your life and take control of it?
You seem to think that all of your chances are going to take you down
You doubt that you can succeed despite the opportunities presented to you
I'm telling you to open up your eyes and take those feet off the ground.
I implore you to take risks and seize opportunities in life
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind