In 1985, she signed to A&M Records, who released her debut album Union in 1988. She had previously provided backing vocals on David & David's album Boomtown. Later that year, she was nominated for two Grammy Awards, Best New Artist and Best Rock Vocal Performance (female). Her first national tour was opening for Bob Dylan. Her follow-up album House of Hope yielded a large hit in Australia with "I've Got To Go Now", but did not sell well in the US and was dropped from the A&M label. DGC Records, a subsidiary of Geffen Records, signed her and released her third album, The Woman's Boat. Although she was nominated for another Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Performance, the album sold poorly, and Childs was again left without a recording label. She recorded another album in 1996, but could not find a label to release it. Also in 1996, "The Very Best Of Toni Childs" was released, becoming the fifth biggest-selling album of 1996 in Australia. She retired from touring in 1997 after contracting a serious illness and starting the "Dream a Dolphin" charity. Childs released a song entitled "Because You're Beautiful", which won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music & Lyrics in 2004. She has recorded a new album entitled Keep the Faith, which is expected to be released in Australia in 2006 and in the US and UK in 2007.
Many Rivers to Cross
Toni Childs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of dover
Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
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
Well, I guess I'll have to cry
Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin I'm playing for time
There have been times I find myself
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime
Yes, I've got many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering, I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
Yes, I've got many rivers to cross
And I merely survive because of my will
The song "Many Rivers to Cross" by Toni Childs explores the universal human experience of struggle and perseverance against all odds. The opening verse, "Many rivers to cross, but I can't seem to find my way over, wandering I am lost as I travel along the white cliffs of Dover" paints a vivid picture of the journey ahead, with a sense of feeling lost and aimless. The metaphor of rivers to cross is used to represent obstacles in life that must be overcome. Yet, the singer seems to be struggling to find a way forward, and feels alone and overwhelmed.
The second verse goes on to describe the singer's past experiences of being "licked, washed up for years," and only managing to survive because of his pride. The loneliness that lingers as a result of being abandoned by a loved one is felt deeply. The line "well I guess I'll have to cry" is a poignant moment of vulnerability and emotional release.
The chorus reinforces the idea of struggling to find a way forward and feeling lost, while also acknowledging the strength and resilience that comes from sheer force of will. The lyrics "yes, I've got many rivers to cross, but I can't seem to find my way over, wandering I am lost as I travel along the white cliffs of Dover, and I merely survive because of my will" emphasizes the triumph of willpower over adversity.
Overall, the song is a powerful message of resilience and determination, reminding us to keep pushing through even when we feel lost and overwhelmed. It is a message that resonates with all of us at different times in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Many rivers to cross
Life is full of obstacles and challenges
But I can't seem to find my way over
I am struggling to overcome these obstacles
Wandering I am lost
I am unsure of my direction in life
As I travel along the white cliffs of dover
I am figuratively wandering along the shoreline, unsure of where to go
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
My determination to succeed is what motivates me to keep going
I've been licked, washed up for years
I have faced many defeats and setbacks over a long period of time
And I merely survive because of my pride
I refuse to give up because of my stubbornness or sense of self-worth
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I feel isolated and disconnected from others
It's such a drag to be on your own
I am tired of being alone
My woman left me and she didn't say why
My romantic partner abandoned me without explanation
Well, I guess I'll have to cry
I am resigned to feeling sad and upset about the situation
But just where to begin I'm playing for time
I am delaying taking action because I don't know where to start
There have been times I find myself
I have experienced moments when I am overcome by emotions
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime
I have considered doing something extreme to escape my problems
And I merely survive because of my will
Once again, my determination to persevere is the only thing keeping me going
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nataleecrockett7774
This song played at my father's funeral. Was one of his favourite songs .
🙏💚🙏 God bless him. Xoxo
@bronwyndrysdale5602
I have always said I want her version at my funeral too
@taurusgal1983
Im aussie as well and love her voice. When you hear her sing you know who she is. Its distinct and that is what makes her great!!
@betsy8544
I agree, Tori Amos and Loreena McKennitt's as well.
@tiffanyhearn1987
Me too 🇦🇺
@scottbarker3409
2020 and I've rediscovered Toni's amazing voice, so soothing in these troubled times.
@jimmyjohnson6892
Amen to that mate
@pauljordan4452
She has a strange warbling, yet I always liked her vocals.
@johncunningham4902
I've just discovered her this week. Amazing!
@jasonpearce849
Filmed on The Hawkesbury river where i was born