The laid-back energy of her lo-fi sound is a reflection of her personality - unique and nostalgic. Currently living in Los Angeles, UMI continues to create genre-bending music that captivates and inspires listeners.
“I hope that the relatability of my lyrics can be comforting to people who realize their worries and problems are universal. I want them to know that they’re not alone.”
river
UMI Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All that's left is broken pieces, oh
Swimming in your waters
But I'm tryna find my way back home
I thought that we were stronger
I prayed a little longer
I should've known you better than this
I think that this is my fault
I'm running out of friends to call
I know I shouldn't let you back in
Don't want this to end 'cause
Rivers running deep
This river's running deep inside me
Rivers running deep
This river's running deep inside me
Deep inside me
Deep inside me
Deep inside me
Deep inside me
Hate to see you happy
'Cause I don't know how to be alone, oh oh
Know we're different people
But I don't know why you let me go, oh oh
I thought that we were stronger
I prayed a little longer
I should've known you better than this
Got lost in your shit
I think that this is my fault
I'm running out of friends to call
I know I shouldn't let you back in
Don't want this to end 'cause
Rivers running deep
This river's running deep inside me
Rivers running deep
This river's running deep inside me
Deep inside me
Deep inside me
Deep inside me
Deep inside me
The lyrics of UMI's song "River" tell the story of a relationship that has ended but the heartache still lingers on. The opening lines describe the aftermath of the break-up as the singer feels shattered and lost, trying to find her way back home. The imagery of broken pieces and swimming in water evoke a feeling of being overwhelmed and drowning in emotions. The second verse reveals that the singer had hoped the relationship was stronger, but it ultimately fell apart due to getting "lost in your shit". She takes some of the blame for the relationship's failures and feels alone as she runs out of friends to turn to. The chorus repeats the phrase "Rivers running deep" as a metaphor for the depth of her pain and how it still resides within her.
The second half of the song's lyrics touch on the difficulty of seeing her former partner happy without her. While acknowledging that they were different people, the singer still feels confused about why she was let go. The repetition of the second verse and chorus emphasize the unresolved feelings of heartache, even though she knows she shouldn't let her former partner back in. The song's overall tone is melancholic and sad, with UMI's soulful vocals carrying the weight of heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that this is over
Now that the relationship is done, all that remains are the shattered pieces of what once was.
All that's left is broken pieces, oh
There are no longer any positives left in the relationship, only a trail of broken pieces.
Swimming in your waters
The singer is still trying to navigate the relationship despite the obstacles and hardships.
But I'm tryna find my way back home
Despite the attempts to keep the relationship together, the artist just wants to return to a sense of comfort and familiarity.
I thought that we were stronger
The artist believed that the relationship had the strength to withstand any challenge.
I prayed a little longer
The singer put in extra effort and hope for the relationship to work out.
I should've known you better than this
The singer regrets not fully understanding the flaws and shortcomings of the other person in the relationship.
Got lost in your shit
The other person's behavior and actions were deeply confusing and caused difficulty for the artist.
I think that this is my fault
Despite the other person's actions, the artist takes responsibility for the state of the relationship.
I'm running out of friends to call
The artist has exhausted their support system while trying to navigate the struggles of the relationship.
I know I shouldn't let you back in
The singer understands that letting the other person back into their life would only lead to more pain and difficulty.
Don't want this to end 'cause
Despite the struggles, the artist still has strong feelings for the other person and doesn't want the relationship to end.
Rivers running deep
The emotions and feelings within the singer are strong and powerful, like a river.
This river's running deep inside me
The singer is consumed by their emotions and feelings for the other person.
Deep inside me
The feelings and emotions are all-consuming and reside deep within the singer.
Hate to see you happy
Although the artist wants the best for the other person, it still pains them to see the other person happy without them.
'Cause I don't know how to be alone, oh oh
The artist struggles with being alone and yearns for companionship and love.
Know we're different people
The singer acknowledges that they and the other person have their differences.
But I don't know why you let me go, oh oh
Despite the differences, the singer is still confused and hurt by the other person letting them go.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jose Pupil, Tierra Umi Wilson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind