River

Ed Sheeran, Eminem

About River

"River" is a song by American rapper Eminem featuring guest vocals by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It is the fifth track from his ninth solo studio album Revival (2017). The song was written by Mathers, Sheeran and Emile Haynie, and produced by Haynie. "River" was released to radio on December 15, 2017, in Italy, and in the UK on January 5, 2018, as the album's second single. The music video received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. "River" details the struggles of a failing relationship that culminates in an abortion. 


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I've been a liar, been a thief
Been a lover, been a cheat
All my sins need holy water, feel it washing over me
Well, little one, I don't want to admit to something
If all it's gonna cause is pain
Truth and my lies right now are falling like the rain
So let the river run

He's comin' home with his neck scratched, to catch flack
Sweat jackets and dress slacks, mismatched
On his breath's Jack, he's a sex addict
And she just wants to exact revenge and get back
It's a chess match, she's on his back like a jetpack
She's kept track of all his Internet chats
And guess who just happens to be movin' on to the next
Actually, just shit on my last chick and she has what my ex lacks
'Cause she loves danger, psychopath
And you don't f*ck with no man's girl, even I know that
But she's devised some plan to stab him in the back
Knife in hand, says their relationship's hangin' by a strand
So she's been on the web lately
Says maybe she'll be my Gwen Stacy, to spite her man
And I know she's using me to try to play him, I don't care
Hi Suzanne, but I shoulda said "Bye Suzanne"
After the first night, but tonight I am

I've been a liar, been a thief
Been a lover, been a cheat
All my sins need holy water, feel it washing over me
Well, little one, I don't want to admit to something
If all it's gonna cause is pain
The truth and my lies now are falling like the rain
So let the river run

A one-night stand turned a two-night stand
It was "come sunlight, scram," now we hug tight, and
He found out, now she feels deserted and used
'Cause he left, so what? He did it first to her too
Now how am I supposed to tell this girl that we're through?
It's hard to find the words, I'm aloof, nervous, and Sue
Don't want this to hurt, but what you deserve is the truth
Don't take it personal, I just can't say this in person to you
So I revert to the studio, like hole-in-the-wall diners
Don't have to be reserved in a booth
I just feel like the person who I'm turning into's
Irreversible, I preyed on you like it's church at the pew
And now that I got you I don't want you
Took advantage in my thirst to pursue
Why do I do this dirt that I do?
Get on my soapbox and preach, my sermon and speech
Detergent and bleach is burnin' the wound
'Cause now with her in the womb
We can't bring her in this world, shoulda knew
To use protection 'fore I bit into your forbidden fruit (F*ck!)

I've been a liar, been a thief
Been a lover, been a cheat
All my sins need holy water, feel it washing over me
Well, little one, I don't want to admit to something
If all it's gonna cause is pain
The truth and my lies now are falling like the rain
So let the river run

My name's (ooh), my name's (ooh)
River (ooh), river run
Call me (ooh), call me (ooh)
River (ooh), we'll let the river run

Always the bridesmaid, never "The bride, hey!"
F*ck can I say? If life was a highway
And deceit was an enclave, I'd be swerving in five lanes
Speeds at a high rate, like I'm slidin' on ice, maybe
That's why I may have came at you sideways
I can't keep my lies straight
But I made you terminate my baby
This love triangle left us in a wreck, tangled
What else can I say? It was fun for a while
Bet I really woulda loved your smile
Didn't really wanna abort, but f*ck it
What's one more lie, to tell our unborn child?

I've been a liar, been a thief
Been a lover, been a cheat
All my sins need holy water, feel it washing over me
Well, little one (I'm sorry)
I don't want to admit to something (I fucked up)
If all it's gonna cause is pain
The truth and my lies now are falling like the rain
So let the river run

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Eminem

Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem (/ˌɛmɪˈnɛm/; often stylized as EMINƎM), is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive, and actor. He is consistently cited as one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time in any genre, with Rolling Stone ranking him 83rd on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and labelling him the "King of Hip Hop". He will often be called " Slim Shady" at times. He has gotten into quite some rap battles against MGK, ( Machine Gun Kelly) Snoop Dog, etc. more »

149 fans

Written by: Marshall Mathers, Edward Christopher Sheeran, Emile Haynie, Thomas Bartlett

Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release
"River" was released as the second single from Eminem's ninth studio album, "Revival" on January 5, 2018.
Collaboration
The song features guest vocals from English singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran.
Genre
The song is generally classified within the genres of hip-hop and rap, with strong elements of pop and soul due to Sheeran's vocals and the emotional and introspective lyrics.
Chart Performance
"River" peaked at number one in the United Kingdom, marking Eminem's eighth number-one single in the country. It also reached the top of the charts in Norway, Scotland, and Sweden.
Subject Matter
The track features Eminem rapping about a relationship that's spiraled out of control, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy and abortion.
Music Video
Its music video was released on Valentines Day, February 14, 2018, and features glimpses of Eminem and Sheeran, plus an actress portraying the woman Eminem is rapping about.
Rap Style
The song showcases Eminem's signature style of rapping with complex lyrics, fast flows, and varied rhythms, while also incorporating Sheeran's sensitive vocal style in the chorus.
Certification
It has been certified multi-platinum in several countries, including 2x Platinum in the United States, signifying over 2 million units sold.
Reception
While some critics praised Eminem's storytelling and Sheeran's chorus, others felt the song's subject matter was too dark or controversial.
Live Performances
Eminem and Sheeran performed the song live on stage together at Coachella 2018.
Impact
From a broader perspective, "River" created conversations about the matter of relationships, mistakes, regret, and responsibility, serving as a reflection of Eminem's personal struggles.

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    "River Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35192614/Eminem/River>.

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    River

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2018

    Billboard #32


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