B-side "We Bury The Hatchet" Format CD single, 7" single Genre Country | Released April 27, 1992 Recorded 1991 Length 4:25 | |
"The River" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Garth Brooks. It was released in April 1992 as the fifth and final single from his album Ropin' the Wind, and in late 1991 it became his ninth Number One hit on the Billboard country charts. The song was written by Brooks and Victoria Shaw. It has appeared on three albums that have sold more than ten million copies each in the US alone, these being Ropin' The Wind, The Hits and Double Live.
Contents
Content
The song is a mid-tempo country pop ballad in which a river is used as a comparison to one's dreams. Through the lyric, the narrator says that he will continue to pursue his dreams.
Background and production
Garth provided the following background information on the song in the CD booklet liner notes from The Hits:
"Of all songs, most of the letters I receive concern "The River." It is a song of inspiration... a song that I will be proud of a hundred years from now. Victoria Shaw is a wonderful writer and a wonderful friend. And this is what happens when two dreamers get together and write from the heart. One of the greatest awards that this song has ever received was the fact that it was played at Dale Wehr's funeral. Quite an honor, cowboy."
Additional personnel on the song included Kenny Malon on percussion, Edgar Meyer on bass, and Trisha Yearwood on harmony vocals.
Garth has stated that The River was inspired by childhood hero James Taylor.
Critical reception
Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as an "ambitious epic". Entertainment Weekly critic Ken Tucker considered it a standout track on the album, saying it "showcase[d]…his ability to imbue baleful country ballads with complex, soulful emotions."