We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

Let the river run,
let all the dreamers
wake the nation.
Come, the New Jerusalem.

Silver cities rise,
the morning lights
the streets that meet them,
and sirens call them on
with a song.

It's asking for the taking.
Trembling, shaking.
Oh, my heart is aching.

We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

We the great and small
stand on a star
and blaze a trail of desire
through the dark'ning dawn.

It's asking for the taking.
Come run with me now,
the sky is the color of blue
you've never even seen
in the eyes of your lover.

Oh, my heart is aching.
We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

[guitar]

It's asking for the taking.
Trembling, shaking.
Oh, my heart is aching.
We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

Let the river run,
let all the dreamers
wake the nation.
Come, the New Jerusalem.



Lyrics submitted by pablo

Track duration: 03:17

"Let the River Run" as written by Carly Simon

Lyrics © FOX MUSIC, INC., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC

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Let The River Run song meanings
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9 Comments

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  • 0
    My Interpretation:I agree with ccjockey, that the New Jerusalem may be a promised land. The Jewish undertone may be due to Carly Simon having a Jewish father, and as a result most likely a Jewish upbringing, but I dont think it is purely Jewish. I think the lyrics relate to all of us. New Jerusalem being as poignant to Christians as Jews.

    The sons and daughters may well be the children of the land (country), and are coming through a fog of dissent and trouble and the future is up to them to choose. The future being the Promised Land (New Jerusalem).

    "Let the river run, let all the dreamers wake the nation." Seems to tie this idea together - The river being "creativity", "imagination" and let the "dreamers" of that new nation lead the rest.

    "Silver cities..." is to me an embodiment of those dreams.

    "Its asking..." means its up for grabs for anyone who dares to dream. She herself yearns to start, or be involved. Maybe she even compares herself to Moses who delivered the people to the promised land (as she brings us to this) but could not enter.
    Flagged sparky0247on April 30, 2013   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation:The song is about making the most of chances given to us.

    "The New Jerusalem" is a way of saying making to the a promised land, whatever that may be for each of us.

    It talks about the nervousness we all feel when facing a new situation in life. The uncertainty that makes us ache deep down. The "dark'ning dawn" is another way of saying "it's always darkest before the dawn", meaning our uncertainty of a change is usually at its worst right before we go into it.
    Flag ccjockeyon January 14, 2013   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation:Because of the context of the song in Working Girl, I've always interpreted this song as ironic. Rather than celebrating the arrival of Jews on the shores of NY, for me, it's a comment about how big finance has become the new religion. I see the inspirational intensity as a reflection of bloviating gazillionaires.
    Flag kukichaon August 26, 2012   Link
  • -1
    My Opinion:Confuses the hell out of me by signing about a dark'ning dawn! My experience is the opposite. Mind, with so many songs with gobbledegook lyrics, what's another one between friends??
    Flag harponotmarxon March 06, 2012   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:This is a hymn to New York City. Where a river of dreams is manifested in the people, great and small, who flow into that silver city each morning. New York's sons and daughters from all corners of the globe create the new capital city of the world, where their questions can be freely asked and their longings pursued if they dare dream.
    Flag Wahrheiton May 09, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I don`t know what it means, maybe it is something related to the arrival of the jewish inmigrants to new york (The new jerusalem)...maybe it has something to do with the movie was done for....
    any clue?
    Flag ArquiKakion November 23, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Can you explain this more, please? I've always loved this song but never understood what the lyrics actually meant... I'd really love to hear more. Thanks!
    Flag Beebers119on September 30, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I don't even really like Carly Simon, but this is an incredibly powerful and uplifting song. Her voice is so strong and clear, as are the lyrics.
    Flag just_old_lighton August 27, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:that anyone can make their dreams come true through hard work
    Flag Rodman1977on March 13, 2005   Link

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