River

Album: Endless Summer Vacation (2023)
Charted: 16 32
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "River" is a sexually charged track that grew from a naive love song to something more NSFW.

    "It was a time in my life where I was going through just a lot emotionally and personally," Cyrus revealed in her Disney+ special Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions). "All of my songs evolve. They can start as something that was a trouble, like, it just feels like it's an April shower, it never stops raining and then it started raining down love."

    "'River,' sometimes we just need a dance floor banger," Cyrus added cheekily. "Aka they don't want me to talk about the fact the song is about [bleep]. It's f---ing nasty."
  • Over pulsating synths, Cyrus starts the song innocently.

    I got a new dress just to meet you downtown
    Can you walk me through the park just to show it off?
    I can pull my hair back in that tight way that you like
    If you wrap me in your arms and never stop


    But the chorus is far raunchier, as Cyrus compares her lover to a river,

    You're just like a river
    You go on for ever


    Cyrus' partner has amazing sexual stamina and can carry on all night long.
  • In the second verse, Cyrus sings about wanting to start a family with her boyfriend.

    Blowing bubbles in the bath, I can't stop from thinking lately
    You could be the one, have the honor of my babies
    Hope they have your eyes and that crooked smile
    Was a desert before I met you, I was in a drought


    The "Midnight Sky" singer is likely referring to her drummer beau Maxx Morando, whom she started dating in late 2021.
  • Cyrus released "River" as the second single from Endless Summer Vacation on March 10, 2023. Recorded mainly in Los Angeles, the singer describes the album as a love letter to Los Angeles that showcases her newfound confidence since focusing on her mental and physical well-being.
  • Cyrus wrote "River" with pop songwriter Justin Tranter (Justin Bieber's "Sorry," Hailee Steinfeld's "Love Myself," Selena Gomez' "Good For You") and the song's producers, Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. Harpoon and Johnson produced six out of the 12 tracks on Endless Summer Vacation, including the smash hit "Flowers."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.