The River Runs Low features: Bruce Hornsby (accordion, vocals, piano, synthesizer).
In a lot of our songs there’s a search for love mixed with other strong emotions that come from events beyond control. The boyfriend or girlfriend left behind in this song has to deal with a town that’s also going through hard times.
But even though I start off focusing on things like unemployment, a drought and a cold autumn, pretty soon it’s clear that the main reason for feeling so down is pure loneliness.
I hope it’s also clear where the sweetheart has gone – where they call the brown hills “golden”.
John Hornsby
The River Runs Low meaning of the song
“The River Runs Low” by Bruce Hornsby delves into themes of longing, loneliness, and the emotional turmoil associated with separation. The imagery in the lyrics highlights both personal struggles and broader societal issues, creating a poignant narrative about the search for love amidst difficult circumstances.
The opening lines set a desolate tone: “The rain held back again / Haven’t felt a drop since you went away.” This suggests a metaphorical drought, reflecting not only the physical lack of rain but also the emotional barrenness experienced by the narrator since their partner’s departure. The mention of “brown hills” contrasts with the idealised view of these hills as “golden” from the partner’s perspective, indicating a sense of disillusionment for the storyteller, who sees the stark reality of their environment.
Lyric references
The lines “Lines outside the welfare store / The clock is stopped at the bank next door” serve as cultural references that depict economic hardship and stagnation in the community. The imagery of unemployment and financial struggle is a backdrop to the narrator’s personal pain, illustrating how external circumstances amplify their feelings of isolation.
“The river runs low tonight” is a recurring motif that symbolizes the narrator’s emotional state. Just as a river may run low during a drought, the narrator’s capacity for joy and connection feels diminished. The line “And nobody waits for the tides to rise” suggests a sense of helplessness; there is an understanding that one cannot force change but must wait for external circumstances to improve.
Additional references
Welfare store: Refers to government assistance programs designed to provide financial aid to those in need, highlighting societal issues related to poverty and economic disparity.
The brown hills: This imagery contrasts with the idealistic vision of “golden” hills, representing lost dreams and the harsh realities of life.
Final thoughts
In “The River Runs Low,” Bruce Hornsby effectively intertwines personal and societal struggles, using vivid imagery and poignant lyrics to convey a deep sense of longing and loneliness. The song encapsulates the emotional challenges faced by individuals in difficult circumstances while reflecting on the broader themes of love, loss, and the hope for better times ahead. The metaphor of the river serves as a powerful symbol of both emotional depth and the potential for renewal, resonating with anyone who has experienced separation and the yearning for connection.
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The River Runs Low
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Boston, MA
Band show; soundboard
May 25 1996