Like a River

Ocie Elliott's 'Like a River' is a song that encapsulates the essence of life's continuous journey, despite the challenges and changes one may face. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and acceptance, using the metaphor of a river to represent the idea that life goes on, much like a river's relentless flow. The song begins with a reflection on the passage of time, from a 'long Monday' to 'Tuesday gone,' suggesting a contemplation of life's fleeting moments and the importance of capturing them, as indicated by 'Wrote it down in a song.'

The chorus, with its repetitive affirmation that 'You'll go on, just like the river,' serves as a comforting reminder of the constancy of life's movement. The river metaphor is powerful, as it implies that just as a river navigates through various landscapes, sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent, so too does a person through the different phases of life. The mention of 'paradise lost, but paradise found' hints at the cyclical nature of experiences, where loss is often followed by new beginnings or discoveries.

The second verse introduces the image of 'liberated eyes and a Buddha smile,' which suggests a state of enlightenment or inner peace. This is further emphasized by the feeling of freedom and direction described as 'on a highway, windows rolled down, knowing just where you're bound.' The song seems to encourage embracing the journey with grace and confidence, acknowledging that life, like the clouds and the world, is full of ups and downs. Ultimately, 'Like a River' is a poetic reflection on the inevitability of change and the importance of moving forward with hope and determination.