The River
Read The River lyrics by John Martyn on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
The River
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
Down on the river
Down on the river on the fourth of July
I'm down on the river
Down and I know that the river’s running high
I look to the water to make my own money
I look to the water to make my name
I look to the water to make my money
I look to the water as the price of fame
I worked on this river
I worked on the river every day of my life
As I worked on this river
I worked on the river ’till I found my wife
I worked twice as hard to make twice the money
I worked twice as hard to make my way
I worked twice as hard to make my own money
Until somebody took my wife away
Oh darling, it sometimes feels so lonely here
Sometimes I think I go down to the river
Let the water run away with every tear
I know this river never gives a damn for me
The river cares for nothing
Rolling away to the bright blue sea
I have been years on my river
Years and water running high, running low
I’ve been years on my river
Years and I still got nothing to show
I know this river, its every movement
I know this river, every port, every pocket
I know this river is going to take my love away
I know this river is trying to break my heart
Oh darling, it sometimes gets so lonely here
Someday I think I go down to the river
Let the water wash away most every tear
Down on the river
Down on the river on the fourth of July
I'm down on the river
Down one day when the river runs high
I'm going to cry for my river
Die on the day that this river of mine runs dry
Die on the day this old river runs dry
I'm dying on the day this river inside of me dies
The river inside runs dry
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "The River"?
John Martyn performs "The River", and this lyric page sits inside the John Martyn catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The River"?
Yes. The related section below points to The Downward Pull Of Human Nature and The Cat Won't Work Tonight with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by John Martyn?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through John Martyn's lyric pages.
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
What people are saying
No listener comments on The River yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.