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