Bishop Briggs’ “River” Lyrics Meaning

Have you ever had one of those situations where you’re addressing a romantic interest that you’re in a tumultuous relationship with, and the more the person says, the worst the situation gets? That appears to be the scenario Bishop Briggs is most pointedly speaking on “River”, where she’s telling the person she’s singing to “shut your mouth and run me like a river”.

To run somebody, as far as slang terminology goes, is basically another way of saying that you control them. And based on the first verse and pre-chorus especially, it can not only be deemed that the association between the two parties involved, who appear to be lovers, is a troubled one. 

But moreover, the vocalist is wise enough to recognize that just as quickly as one can fall in love, a romance can also “fall apart”. 

So reading in between the lines, she is telling her partner that at this point, the less he says the better. It would be more beneficial if he actually stepped to the plate and more, shall we say valiantly display his love for her – or “stand and deliver”, as she puts it.

Takeaway

That said, Bishop has offered various explanations of this piece, even, it would seem, outside of the realm of romance. And her most consistent interpretation is that this song is fundamentally premised on the idea of challenging someone to step up. And again, that notion does in fact come through in the lyrics. But it is also more or less obvious as presented that she is speaking to romance, considering for example that Briggs refers to “fall(ing) in love” and all.

But this phenomena is something we have noted in the past, how a song which may, upon conceptualization, be based on a more universal idea, by the time all is said and done, it is presented within the context of romance. 

So with that in mind, it can be said that the challenge the vocalist is placing on the addressee is to focus more energy on being a proper lover and less on, so to speak, analyzing their relationship.

“Shut your mouth, baby, stand and deliver
Holy hands, will it make me a sinner?
Like a river, like a river
Shut your mouth and run me like a river
Choke this love ’til the veins start to shiver
One last breath ’til the tears start to wither
Like a river, like a river
Shut your mouth and run me like a river”

Facts about “River”

With Island Records and Teleport Records releasing this track on 19 January 2016, “River” marks the second single in Bishop Briggs’ discography. 

The song was written by Briggs alongside the track’s producers, Mark Jackson and Ian Scott. And the songstress has noted that such was the first time she worked with Jackson and Scott, and overall it was a very emotional experience for her, as it was the realization of Bishop’s music dream. (She is actually from the UK but migrated to Los Angeles, as a teenager, in pursuit of her music career.)

“River” also stands as the most-successful song in Bishop Briggs’ catalog to date. For instance, by the looks of things, this is the only track she has ever dropped to date that has been certified. In that regard the tune most notably went double-platinum in the United States, where it also peaked at number five on Billboard’s Rock Airplay chart.

This song was featured on both Bishop Briggs’ eponymous EP and her debut LP, “Church of Scars”. 

Briggs performed this track the first time she appeared on TV, via an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon dated 1 August 2016.

The music video to “River” was directed by an artist named Jungle George.

American songstress Pink is known to be fond of this song, i.e. covering it a few times in the late 2010s.

Bishop Briggs has verified that the sound of this piece was influenced by a few other music acts, i.e. Hozier, Alabama Shakes and Jack Garratt.

Let’s Hear Your Stories (:

How I stumbled upon Bishop Briggs’ “River”

“Until a few days before the grand finale of season 9 of the music reality show, Mask Singer, I had no idea who Bishop Briggs was. Being a devoted fan of the show, I have always supported team Medusa since her first performance. Determined to uncover Medusa’s true identity, I tirelessly speculated and sought clues. Eventually, someone mentioned that Medusa was none other than Bishop Briggs.

Intrigued, I promptly researched her and stumbled upon this remarkable song, ‘River’, which has now become my new favorite. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her for such a triumph in the reality show’s season finale and for claiming the coveted golden mask.”

– Monika Asare

“River” reminds my that I’m not alone in this struggle

It’s truly remarkable how certain songs can intertwine themselves into the very fabric of our lives, forever imprinted in our memories. Let me paint the scene for you: it was the first day of July in 2016, a day that will forever hold a special place within the depths of my heart.

On that remarkable day, my daughter graced this world with her presence, filling it with an undeniable sense of purity and innocence. Coincidentally, it was also the day the music video for one of my all-time favorite songs, ‘River’, was released. I vividly remember sitting on my hospital bed, watching the video for the very first time.

Little did I know that this song would soon become an anchor of solace and strength during the trying months that followed my daughter’s birth. After my daughter came into the world, the days that followed were filled with a myriad of obstacles. Instead of the anticipated excitement that typically accompanies motherhood, I found myself entangled in the clutches of depression.

The responsibilities of nurturing a child as a single mother dawned on me. The path ahead appeared even more daunting. But, ‘River’ emerged as a guiding light amidst the darkness. It wasn’t necessarily the lyrics that drew me in, but rather the captivating melody of the song itself. Its harmonies became a comforting salve for my weary soul. Each note resonated within me, delicately dissipating the haze of confusion and self-doubt. It reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles.”

– Patricia Spencer

The Brilliance of Briggs

“I remember first encountering ‘River’ back in January of 2017 and instantly falling in love with Briggs’ captivating voice as well as her unique style. Subsequently, I delved into the singer’s entire discography and discovered that she was scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago later that summer, a performance I wasn’t going to miss. Despite being assigned to a smaller stage as one of the daytime acts, she delivered an unforgettable performance within the limited timeframe assigned to her. Since that moment, she has held a permanent place among my favorite artists. It baffles me that she hasn’t garnered widespread recognition in the mainstream music scene, which, in my opinion, should be considered a grave injustice.”

– Mark Carter