“The River” by Davin Herbrüggen
Based solely on an analysis of the verses, this track reads like a song based on struggle, disappointment and pain being an inevitable part of progress. But we see that in the chorus Herbrüggen is actually referencing the loss of a loved one. And while the nature of their relationship is not relayed, it would not be overly-hasty to conclude that it is a romance, and perhaps the other individual involved has decided to terminate it.
As such, Davin is now “cry(ing) a river” due to the agony associated with losing this person. That is to say he is crying so much that his tears are producing a river, which is theoretically impossible but represents the extreme suffering Herbrüggen is going through. Indeed this person will live “forever inside (his) veins”, which he also refers to as “that river of blood”.
So the title of this track seemingly refers to two different rivers. One is a “river of tears” that is symbolic of the singer’s temporary yet very real suffering. And the other is the “river of blood”, which is representative of the everlasting presence the person who has broken his heart will have in his life.
However, after all is said and done, as alluded to earlier, this song isn’t all tears and blood. Instead Davin is taking his heartbreak as a lesson hard-learned which, albeit painfully, has taught him to go about life with improved focus.
Facts about “The River”
- Davin Herbrüggen’s performance of “The River” won him the 16th season of the German reality-talent show Deutschland sucht den Superstar on 27 April 2019. That victory netted him €100,000 and a deal with Universal Music.
- This track is featured on the DSDS Finale 2019 album, which was officially released on 26 April 2019.
- Herbrüggen’s didn’t write this song. It was written by songwriter Philip Braun and produced by Madizin.
