I adored the raw emotion and introspection of River ever since I first heard it. I wrote a post about it in 2013, which was my first foray into blog writing. Penned and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, this haunting ballad continues to move me. Originally released on her legendary record Blue it made me yearn for this place of solace. I have never skated on a river, but did skate on the ice rinks way back when. Come to think of it I haven’t seen one in decades, but that poignant imagery of skating on a river..that’s something.
Blue marked a pivotal moment in Mitchell’s career establishing her as not only a gifted musician but also a discerning lyricist capable of laying bare the complexities of human emotions. River was never released as a single but reveals one of Mitchell’s most vulnerable moments in songwriting, opening up about a breakup and the deep bond that’s difficult to shake. The lyrics of River are thought to have been inspired by the end of Mitchell’s relationship with musician Graham Nash; the two dated from 1968 through 1970.
[Verse 1]
It’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on
[Verse 2]
But it don’t snow here
It stays pretty green
I’m gonna make a lot of money
Then I’m gonna quit this crazy scene
I wish I had a river I could skate away on
[Chorus]
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on
I made my baby cry
[Verse 3]
He tried hard to help me
You know, he put me at ease
And he loved me so naughty
Made me weak in the knees
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on (Read the remainder here)
River holds second place among Mitchell’s songs most recorded by other artists. Everyone from Mitchell’s former beau James Taylor to Barry Manilow, Sarah McLachlan, Judy Collins, Idina Menzel, Travis, Cee Lo Green, Ellie Goulding, and even Olivia Rodrigo and Harry Styles, have covered River. In 2021, it was ranked at No. 247 on Rolling Stone’s “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time”.
References:
1. River (Joni Mitchell song) – Wikipedia
2. The Meaning Behind the 1971 Holiday Classic “River” by Joni Mitchell – American Songwriter
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
While I didn’t recall the title, I was fairly certain I would recognize the song once I’d start playing the clip, since I’ve listened to Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” album before – and I did. Beautiful ballad!
Joni Mitchell was a bit of an acquired taste for me, especially her vocals that sometimes can be very high, particularly during her early folkie period. I’ve since fully come around and think this lady is an amazing artist. That said, based on what I’ve heard, I tend to prefer her later post-folkie years.
This is my fourth Joni song up to this point. I agree about the acquired taste aspect concerning her voice. She also said some very disparaging comments about Dylan which didn’t wash well with me. Even still I recognise her as a great singer songwriter. You may be more familiar with her material than I am since I don’t think I recall her post folkie tunes.
My knowledge of Mitchell’s post-folk catalog is pretty spotty. It mainly comes down to music from the “Court and Spark”, “Hejira” and “Wild Things Run Fast” albums.
That’s 3 more albums than I can recall. Hehe.
Skating peacefuly along…
Do you get rivers you can skate on? Perhaps not this time of year haha