River
Y.M.P. Lyrics
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Of the shadow of LA
The footsteps that were next to me
Have gone their separate ways
I've seen enough now
To know that beautiful things
Don't always stay that way
I've done enough now
Isn't everything they say
[Bridge]
I heard that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light
[Chorus]
Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered
You're from a small town
You're gonna grow up fast
Underneath these lights
Down in Hollywood on the boulevard
The dead come back to life
To the praying mother
And the worried father
Let your children go
If they come back, they'll come home stronger
And if they don't, you'll know...
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
Baptized in the river (on my own)
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
(On my own)
(On my own)
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
I confess I'm a sinner
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the song "River" by Y.M.P., the artists reflect on their experiences in Los Angeles and how it has impacted their lives. The lyrics speak to the idea that even though LA may seem like a beautiful place, it has its dark side, and things aren't always what they seem. The artists acknowledge that they have made mistakes and have done things wrong, but they are striving to be better and find their way back home.
The line "I heard that evil comes disguised like a city of angels" sets the tone for the song, as it highlights the idea that evil can be found in unexpected places, such as LA. The idea of being "baptized in the river" is a metaphor for rebirth and starting anew. The artists recognize their sins but are seeking redemption and a fresh start.
The second half of the song addresses parents and their children. The lyrics suggest that parents should let their children go and explore the world, and if they come back, they'll come back stronger. However, the artists also acknowledge that sometimes children don't come back, and in those cases, parents will know that they did everything they could.
Overall, "River" by Y.M.P. is a reflective and introspective song that speaks to the human experience of making mistakes, seeking redemption, and finding one's way back home.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk through the valley
As I navigate through tough times
Of the shadow of LA
Living in and experiencing the darkness of LA
The footsteps that were next to me
The people who were once alongside me
Have gone their separate ways
Have left me to face these difficulties alone
I've seen enough now
I've observed and experienced sufficient hardship
To know that beautiful things
To understand that great things in life
Don't always stay that way
May not always remain as great as they are
I've done enough now
I have experienced enough
To know this beautiful place
To conclude that this attractive location
Isn't everything they say
Is not all it appears to be
I heard that evil comes disguised
I've been informed that evil often appears to be good
Like a city of angels
Just like how LA is often referred to as the city of Angels
I'm walking towards the light
I'm moving towards a path of good
Baptized in the river
Symbolic re-birth through baptism
I've seen a vision of my life
I've had an epiphany/realization
And I wanna be delivered
I want to be saved
In the city was a sinner
Acknowledging to have done wrong acts in LA
I've done a lot of things wrong
I am conscious of the things I have done which were not good
But I swear I'm a believer
But I can assure I am a believer in redemption
Like the prodigal son
Like the prodigal son(Typically refers to someone who leaves home and returns wiser and more independent)
I was out on my own
I was being independent
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Now I'm struggling to return
You're from a small town
You come from a small, peaceful place
You're gonna grow up fast
You will mature speedily in the city
Underneath these lights
Under the glamour and glitz of Hollywood
Down in Hollywood on the boulevard
Referring to the Hollywood Boulevard in LA
The dead come back to life
Revitalization of hope and dreams
To the praying mother
To the mother who holds faith and prays for her children
And the worried father
And the father who is apprehensive about his children
Let your children go
Let your children venture outside to explore and discover their paths
If they come back, they'll come home stronger
If they do return, they will be more resilient and wise
And if they don't, you'll know...
If they do not return, you will know that they are meant for something else
I confess I'm a sinner
I accept I have sinned
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON GILMORE, BENJI MADDEN, JOEL MADDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind