Story Behind The Song

The song was inspired by a stay in a remote country cottage which had a river running by. Written at a time when everything was tranquil and anything was possible, while still acknowledging that life was not like that for everybody, sadly.

Song Description

The song is a reflection upon a metaphorical retreat, a cosy place where a couple live in harmony, detached from the social ills of the world outside.

Lyrics

The colours of the day are sprayed in aerosol,
There's a fire in the sky
And young gods fight in the takeaway
Under the new all-seeing eye.
Their faces are sunken, their eyes are closed,
As they talk but they cannot speak,
And the promise of a brighter day
Is kept for the poor and the weak.

Words of love are sent by satellite
Itemised on a bill
But the river of dreams runs by our door
And the moon sits on the hill

A baby cries on a withered breast
And Jesus is lying drunk
And the milk of human kindness
Lies buried in the junk

Words of hate are printed as daily news
As cheap as any thrill
But the river of dreams runs by our door
And the moon sits on the hill

There's panic in the city, fear in the town
Communications are cut
And faces are all turned the other way
On the streets where the doors stay shut

Words are done and empty now
The whole world stands still...
But the river of dreams runs by our door
And the moon sits on the hill.

(repeat last two lines, to the end)