The river flows, it takes ahold and it’s running through/
And we ain’t changing on our own, oh, we change for you.

The best version of this song is the live version on The Spotify Living Room Sessions.

This list is meant to be a celebration of these songs, so let’s talk about what is great about Vanessa Carlton’s “River”. The melody of the chorus is stunning. The vocal on the verses is strong too. I prefer the arrangements where Carlton is just playing with her and a piano, as opposed to the official recording. Though, the official release is great too. Carlton sounds very emotionally connected to this song, and that is hugely important in my book.

The lyric is a little difficult to comprehend. I think she is trying to say something about how love changes us. I wouldn’t have minded a little more clarity but I supposed I can just enjoy it for what it is.

River-Vanessa Carlton-Lyrics

Sailors on the sea, are we heading clear for the edge of the ocean?
There’s no city that keeps you king for a gypsy
And are we guided by some vision?
All our moves adding up to an ancient arc
We are free of the canyon cliff of my heart

The river flows, it takes ahold and it’s running through
And we ain’t changing on our own, oh, we change for you
The river flows, it always flows

And he walks home in another city
Your mind’s stuck in an ancient war
And all you need is the space for the beauty to take you
And she will take you

The river flows, it takes ahold and it’s running through
And we ain’t changing on our own, oh, we change for you
The river flows, it always flows
Flows through you, flows through you

The river flows, it takes ahold and it’s coming through
And we ain’t changing on our own, oh we change for you
The river flows, it always flows
And we’re just sailors on the sea
Yeah, we’re just sailors on the sea
Yeah, we’re just sailors on the sea

Songwriters: Vanessa Carlton

I always knew that I’d find someone like you/
So welcome to my little corner of the world.

“My Corner of the World” was written in the sixties, but I didn’t become a classic until Yo La Tengo covered it in the 90s. They sing it with the tenderness that the song deserves. It lets the lyrics come to life. The song really has a great rhythm with a nice guitar solo. Almost dance-able—if one were so inclined.

In the beginning of the song the author is inviting someone to his “little corner of the world”. He says if you’d like to stay we can make it “our little corner of the world”.  Interestingly the song ends with “we always knew that we’d find someone like you…” Here it is not clear who “we” is or who “we” could be. Is the author a single father? Is he using the “royal we”? I think he is. I think he is saying that now this girl is his girlfriend, and he is changing tense.

There are more fun possibilities to consider though: Is he inviting a third into the relationship? Is he young and sharing his apartment with a roommate? Is he buying a dog? Perhaps we’ll never know.

My Little Corner Lyrics

Come along with me,
To my little corner of the world,
And dream a little dream,
In my little corner of the world.

Tonight my love,
We’ll share a sweet embrace,
We’ll soon forget,
There’s any other place.

And if you care to stay,
In my little corner of the world,
Then we can hide away,
In my little corner of the world.

I always knew,
I’d find someone like you,
So welcome to,
My little corner of the world.

written by: Lee Pockriss / Bob Hilliard

Oh, my life/
Is changing every day/
In every possible way.

Dolores O’Riordian has the most distinct female voice in rock. In “Dreams” she–singing lead for The Cranberries–sounds amazing— frankly, like a dream. With most Cranberries songs, you don’t even care about the lyrics, you just want to hear something and anything come out of Dolores mouth- that is enough.

“Dreams” is one of The Cranberries more upbeat and lighthearted songs. It is about finding the person of your dreams and the feeling of change you feel within, but also the hope and slight fear. Fear that you might get hurt.

The Cranberries musicianship should not be ignored. Dreams contains a strong rhythm section—especially the drums. Seriously, listen to them. It is a very atypical beat. The lead electric guitar also creates several memorable riffs that would make this song recognizable for those who covered this song.

Regarding production, a lot of the signature Cranberries sound is produced by the over-dubbing of Dolores’ voice with her own voice. (Who could be a better background singer than Dolores?) Notice the difference between her two singing voices. Amazing. However, you can also hear that the other members of the band add strong vocals—especially during the outro.

Dreams Lyrics

Oh, my life-
Is changing every day,
In every possible way.

And oh, my dreams-
It’s never quite as it seems.
Never quite as it seems.

I know I’ve felt like this before.
But now I’m feeling it even more.
Because it came from you.

Then I open up and see
The person falling here is me.
A different way to be.

I want more-
Impossible to ignore,
Impossible to ignore.

They’ll come true-
Impossible not to do,
Impossible not to do.

Now I tell you openly-
You have my heart so don’t hurt me.
You’re what I couldn’t find.

Totally amazing mind-
So understanding and so kind.
You’re everything to me.

Oh, my life-
Is changing every day,
In every possible way.

And oh, my dreams-
It’s never quite as it seems.
‘Cause you’re a dream to me.
Dream to me.

Songwriters: Noel Anthony Hogan / Dolores Mary O’Riordan