Eminem

Lyrics

[Chorus: Ed Sheeran]
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

[Verse 1: Eminem]
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 jet-pack
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 fuck 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
[Chorus: Ed Sheeran]
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

[Verse 2: Eminem]
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
Fuck!
[Chorus: Ed Sheeran]
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

[Bridge: Eminem & Ed Sheeran]
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

[Verse 3: Eminem]
Always the bridesmaid, never "The bride, hey!"
Fuck 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 fuck it
What's one more lie, to tell our unborn child?
[Chorus: Ed Sheeran & Eminem]
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

Are you a fan of Eminem and Ed Sheeran? Have you listened to their collaboration, “River”? It’s an emotionally charged track that tells the story of a troubled relationship that ends with a heart-wrenching decision. The song has sparked discussions about the importance of forgiveness, the consequences of infidelity, and the morality of abortion. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind “River” and the symbolism embedded in its lyrics.

About River

“River” is part of Eminem’s ninth studio album, “Revival,” which was released in 2017. The track features Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who also co-wrote the song with Eminem. The song is a hybrid of rap and pop, with Sheeran’s soulful vocals on the chorus complementing Eminem’s intense and introspective verses. The track’s instrumental is a combination of acoustic guitar strums and electronic beats, which creates a somewhat melancholic and haunting feel.

The lyrics of “River” narrate the story of a man who cheats on his girlfriend and then discovers that she’s been unfaithful to him as well. His anger and despair drive him to end their relationship, while Eminem gets involved with the woman despite knowing that she’s using him to seek revenge against her cheating partner. However, their fling leads to an unintended pregnancy, which prompts the woman to have an abortion.

The song has generated controversy because of its explicit language and the sensitive topic it addresses. However, Eminem has defended the song as a reflection of his personal experiences and a way to address issues that people often shy away from confronting. The song’s video, which was released on Valentine’s Day in 2018, features interviews with Eminem and the real-life participants of the story, adding a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the song.

The Symbolism of River

The “River” in the title and the chorus is a significant element of the song’s symbolism. The river represents the notion of washing away one’s sins and finding redemption. This symbolism alludes to the biblical story of John the Baptist, who baptized people in the Jordan River to absolve them of their transgressions. In the song, Eminem and Ed Sheeran sing about how they are drowning in their sins and need to be cleansed by the river’s water. Eminem’s line, “I’m swimmin’ in that Egyptian river, ‘cause I’m in denial,” references the biblical story of Moses, who was placed in a basket in the Nile River to escape the Pharaoh’s order to kill all Hebrew male babies.

The river’s symbolism is also related to the song’s theme of regret and the desire to undo past mistakes. Eminem raps, “You’ve got a husband and I don’t want to take you from that,” acknowledging his mistake in getting involved with a woman who’s still in a committed relationship. Ed Sheeran croons, “I’ve been a liar, been a thief, been a lover, been a cheat,” admitting to his own transgressions. The river’s water is seen as a way to cleanse their past misdeeds and start anew.

The river symbolizes the irreversible consequences of our actions as well. The woman’s decision to have an abortion is a pivotal moment in the song, as it highlights the devastating impact of their actions. Ed Sheeran’s chorus, “I've been a devil, I've been a saint,” acknowledges the duality of human nature, where we can be both good and evil. The river can represent the boundary between the two, where crossing it might lead us to a point of no return.

Conclusion

“River” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that deals with complex themes such as infidelity, revenge, and abortion. Eminem and Ed Sheeran have created a haunting melody that blends rap and pop and showcases their talents as songwriters and performers. The song’s symbolism, particularly the river motif, adds depth and complexity to its narrative and invites listeners to ponder their own past mistakes and seek redemption. Whether you’re a fan of Eminem or not, “River” is an excellent example of how music can convey emotional truths and spark conversations about important issues.

• Release Date: December 15, 2017
• Artist: Eminem