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Joni Mitchell — River
Album: Blue
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1289









Released: 1971
Length: 3:54
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer and singing songs of joy and peace
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

But it don't snow here, it stays pretty green
I'm gonna make a lot of money, then I'm gonna quit this crazy scene
I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I made my baby cry

He tried hard to help me, you know, he put me at ease
And he loved me so naughty, made me weak in the knees
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

But I'm so hard to handle, I'm selfish and I'm sad
Now I've gone and lost the best baby that I ever had
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I made my baby say goodbye

It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer, singing songs of joy and peace
I wish I had a river I could skate away on
Comments (180)add comment
Perfect for this time of year if the whole Christmas thing is not your bag.
Many times I have wished I had a river I could skate away on...
Posted 15 hours ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song, no doubt about that - but hearing it on a warm June 23 evening, put a decidedly different spin on one of Joni's masterpieces. Peace + Love from Vancouver.
Posted 5 months ago by GlobalPilgrim    [ Reply ]
 trevc wrote:
Nope.



Ditto
Posted 6 months ago by grumpyoldman    [ Reply ]
 sgaustein wrote:

Dianne Reeves' cover of this song is even beter

Nope.

Posted 9 months ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
Dianne Reeves' cover of this song is even beter
Posted 10 months ago by sgaustein    [ Reply ]
its dec 23

a christmas  song
hurray
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
In my humble opinion this was Joni's best album.  Whenever my wife is away and someone asks me how I'm doing, my usual reply is that "the bed's too big" and "the frying pan's too wide".

This might also very well be the best quintessential  Canadian blues song (not many countries where you can skate away on a river).
Posted 2 years ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
This song and snow at Christmas are the only Christmas songs i like
Posted 2 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
She would be running back to Saskatoon...
   What a superbly composed song. Ms Mitchell is a true gem of an artist.
Posted 3 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
"I made my baby say goodbye."  Quite a story behind that line:  mother & child reunion!
Posted 4 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
Fantastic song from one of my all time favourite albums from one of my favourite all time singer/songwriters. I bet I listened to Blue 200 times in my life and still get stopped in my tracks every time.
Posted 4 years ago by philip1    [ Reply ]
Bill...  I totally thank you for the awesome music over the years...   Cheers to a new decade coming up...  All My Love from Canada.  123 K
Posted 5 years ago by GoodKarm    [ Reply ]
Play daily during the season!
Posted 5 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 paloeguevo wrote:
top song top album. thanks Joni
 
Total agreement!
Posted 5 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Why not play one album side from Blue? 

I mean, you basically do it for  Pink Floyd , Jethro Tull, and Yes.

Hey...those are all English bands!  What gives?  Ha! 
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
One of her best songs
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Never been much of a Joni Mitchell fan, but this is pretty good in my opinion.
Posted 5 years ago by rabaak    [ Reply ]
Nice to hear in any time of the year.
Posted 5 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Wow, 2 songs from Blue in 2 days.  Excellent Bill.
Posted 5 years ago by jaydee    [ Reply ]
 jmsmy wrote:
Pretty Much the only Christmas song I hear on RP.

Bill you should play more Christmas Songs.

THANKS
 
 
Much like I enjoy "Christmas" movies like Die Hard, I like tunes like this, that aren't SO OVERPLAYED and tedious; from a great album and artist...this gets a 'seasonal' 9 rating....LLRP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
top song top album. thanks Joni
Posted 5 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
Pretty Much the only Christmas song I hear on RP.

Bill you should play more Christmas Songs.

THANKS
 
Posted 7 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
{#Arrowd} sweet
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
expatlar: I'm a 61 year old man. It's Christmas Eve and I sure wish I had a wife and daughter though I do I have the choked up every time I hear it part...year after year.

Posted 7 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
I'm a fifty-seven-year-old man, I've heard this song dozens if not hundreds of times by now, and still, standing in my kitchen spreading cream cheese on my bagel on a cheery morning with my wife and daughter in the other room, I get choked up by this song. The power of music...
Posted 8 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
 I'm sorryLPCity wrote:

The first one was the toughest...

 


Posted 8 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I've always liked this song, even if some folks I know find it too sad or depressing.  I think all of us have sometimes wished we had one of those "rivers" she's singing about.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:

She really nails the Christmas blues on this one.  To this day, it brings back my Christmases alone, sometimes not by choice.  {#Cry}



 
The first one was the toughest...
Posted 8 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]

Love this song...one of the best Christmas songs.

I especially like Robert Downey's version that he did on Ally McBeal so many years ago.

 

 

 

and to quote from another one of my fave Christmas songs....

"Hey...Santa...pass us that bottle, will ya"


Posted 8 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
 kgilbert wrote:
Many songs, like this one, take on new meaning for me, after these overwhelming elections. Perfect reminder. Thank you Radio Paradise.

 
What elections?


Posted 8 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Many songs, like this one, take on new meaning for me, after these overwhelming elections. Perfect reminder. Thank you Radio Paradise.
Posted 8 years ago by kgilbert    [ Reply ]
Was waiting for this tune Bill.
 
Posted 8 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
Well stated Bill. For many this is a blue Christmas. Celebrating the holiday for the first time following the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Blessings on all during the holidays.

 
I am learning this very clearly this year.  Sorry I missed Joni a few minutes ago.  I'll look forward to hearing her sing this next time.  Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating this year.
Posted 9 years ago by RCinSoCal    [ Reply ]
 dwlangham wrote:
Imagine a kid reluctantly eating broccoli. That's me, listening to this. I'm choking it down and trying to believe its good for me.

 

As a child, I found broccoli went down better with ketchup — when my parents were not watching.

Music is a little like hard-to-like food; repeated exposure helps.   
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Imagine a kid reluctantly eating broccoli. That's me, listening to this. I'm choking it down and trying to believe its good for me.
Posted 9 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
{#Notworthy}{#Meditate}
Posted 9 years ago by sparksfry    [ Reply ]
Way to go Bill.  Nice to here this in December or any time of the year !
 
Posted 9 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Can you just play a side of this album? It's best to hear the songs connected on this one.  

 
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Best Christmas song EVER!!!!!
 
Posted 9 years ago by Susan_Amati    [ Reply ]
Ran here to change a 9 to a perfect 10!  One of my favorites songs of one of my favorite albums!  {#Cry} {#Notworthy}
Posted 9 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
I know most people associate Joni with Southern California or her native Canada, but Joni lived here in Detroit for two years. She came to Detroit in 1965 to marry Chuck Mitchell, a local folk singer. They lived together in the Cass Corridor, the formerly notorious neighborhood south of Wayne State University. That's the same bohemian community that nurtured the talents of Gilda Radner and Janis Joplin at various times in their lives. (It's also where I went to high school, just two short blocks from the Gold Dollar Show Bar, the home of Detroit's best female impersonators!)

Although Joni lived in Detroit for just a short time, she learned something while here that changed her life and made her into a widely respected musician: alternative tuning. 
Posted 10 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Well stated Bill. For many this is a blue Christmas. Celebrating the holiday for the first time following the loss of a loved one can be difficult. Blessings on all during the holidays.
Posted 11 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
 robbeek wrote:
I have such a love/hate relationship with this song...absolutely beautiful, but it brings me to tears.  Thank you, Joni....
 

 
Ya eh
Posted 11 years ago by ccjemmett    [ Reply ]
Gorgeous song from a truly classic album.
Posted 11 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
 4merdj wrote:
Appropriate title for the album and well interpreted too ... {#Whisper}
 

Fantastic album!
Posted 11 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
There's a long-winded appreciation of Joni in the Dec. 17 issue of The New Yorker. Take my word for it, it's not worth your time. 
Posted 12 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
I have such a love/hate relationship with this song...absolutely beautiful, but it brings me to tears.  Thank you, Joni....
 
Posted 12 years ago by robbeek    [ Reply ]
 1jerry wrote:

Ditto.
 
double ditto {#Angel}
Posted 12 years ago by Kimbolini    [ Reply ]
Such a sweet song......especially with snow outside and the wood crackling in the wood stove beside me.
Posted 12 years ago by wpgjet    [ Reply ]
Appropriate title for the album and well interpreted too ... {#Whisper}
Posted 12 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
... and she still lives in LA, right? {#Devil_pimp}
Posted 12 years ago by haresfur    [ Reply ]
oh no here come the tears...

Posted 12 years ago by yanet    [ Reply ]
Perfect!  Thanks Bill and Happy Holidays to the both of you. {#Sunny}{#Good-vibes}
Posted 12 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
 rebeccagrad wrote:
One of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite artists of all time, from my favorite album of hers. Thanks RP!
 
Ditto.
Posted 12 years ago by 1jerry    [ Reply ]
Way to go Bill !

 
Posted 12 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 Bat wrote:

Not really a Christmas song, but one of the best set around Christmas time.

Not really a Christmas movie, but one set at Christmas - "The Thin Man".  The first, best and only one based directly on the book.  William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles.  I have to see this movie every year about this time.

 
Fantastic!!!!! 
Both of them. 
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
thank you PSD!!
Posted 12 years ago by Catecaneverall    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite artists of all time, from my favorite album of hers. Thanks RP!
Posted 12 years ago by rebeccagrad    [ Reply ]
So terribly sad; so absolutely brilliant.
Posted 13 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Great song for 'opting in' just a tad at this time of year.  Thanks Bill.
Posted 13 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Here in Ottawa we have the Rideau River Canal that when it freezes over is maintained and creates a 20 km skating rink. However this year it has been to mild for that to happen. I wish I had a river I could skate away one. Thanks Joni
Posted 13 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
Eleven

Especially at this time of the year... 

Great book about Joni — 
Will You Take Me As I Am: Joni Mitchell's Blue Period
Posted 13 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
So right now for me.....I actually heard this in Walgreen's the other day
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Robert Downey Jr. did a surprisingly excellent cover of this song.  No, really.  Give it a listen, and even the most jaded among you might say "huh....that's pretty good."

As a born Canadian, I have a soft spot for Joni Mitchell.
Posted 13 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]

Not really a Christmas song, but one of the best set around Christmas time.

Not really a Christmas movie, but one set at Christmas - "The Thin Man".  The first, best and only one based directly on the book.  William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles.  I have to see this movie every year about this time.


Posted 13 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
Howcum I never rated this song before?

Posted 13 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]

She really nails the Christmas blues on this one.  To this day, it brings back my Christmases alone, sometimes not by choice.  {#Cry}


Posted 13 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
Yes, Joni Mitchell. In my top ten all time artists. If you liked this song, you might check out Herbie Hancock's version of River off his recent tribute album to Joni that features other singers covering some of her tunes. Joni actually sings on one track. Really cool jazz laid back versions. Peace and Joy to this troubled world which will always have its troubles. Artists like Joni have helped me cope over the years.
 
Same here.

Posted 14 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
A song I have listen to over the past four decades that truly kindles fond Christmas time memories.  Many thanks, Joni.
Posted 14 years ago by Larry_Rosenow    [ Reply ]
ParkerH wrote:
Perfect way to summarize how I feel about the Holidays... :)
Yes, neighbor - especially here in the subtropics.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 ParkerH wrote:
Perfect way to summarize how I feel about the Holidays... :)
 

Me too.
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
Yes, Joni Mitchell. In my top ten all time artists. If you liked this song, you might check out Herbie Hancock's version of River off his recent tribute album to Joni that features other singers covering some of her tunes. Joni actually sings on one track. Really cool jazz laid back versions. Peace and Joy to this troubled world which will always have its troubles. Artists like Joni have helped me cope over the years.
 

Me too.
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
Yes, Joni Mitchell. In my top ten all time artists. If you liked this song, you might check out Herbie Hancock's version of River off his recent tribute album to Joni that features other singers covering some of her tunes. Joni actually sings on one track. Really cool jazz laid back versions. Peace and Joy to this troubled world which will always have its troubles. Artists like Joni have helped me cope over the years.
Posted 14 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
Perfect way to summarize how I feel about the Holidays... :)
Posted 14 years ago by ParkerH    [ Reply ]
Good cover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aB_YFW4-fU
Posted 14 years ago by listen_n_sf    [ Reply ]
 Danimal174 wrote:
Overall, I'm not a huge fan of Joni's, but I really like this song. I've heard it by other artists before, and had no idea is was originally done by Joni.

I'd agree with the person below me...I don't consider this Christmas music. It just happens to be set during the Christmas season, but it's not really a Christmas song. Same thing with Dan Fogelberg's "Another Auld Lang Syne"...it's set during the holiday season, but it's main theme is not about the holiday itself.

 
I was just thinking....my year is never complete until I hear this and then at new years Dan Fogelberg's Another Auld Lang Syne....like him or not there's no escaping the incredible poignancy (sp?) of that song!


Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Ditto my last post!
one year later
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Thank you - my holidays are never complete until I hear this.
Posted 15 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Thank you!  Perfect.

Posted 15 years ago by annieb63    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
I never need to hear this again sung by anyone.
  
Well... I just rated it a 9, so we're canceling each other out.

Brilliant seque to George Winston - Variations on the Canon afterward. 


Posted 15 years ago by lee_sf    [ Reply ]
I never need to hear this again sung by anyone.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:
Bill seems to be tapping into the deep sadness of Christmas—the other side of the festive season.
Well done, my man! Merry melancholy.

 
Boff!  

Posted 15 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 ttburger3 wrote:
more JONI !
 

Absolutely!! Yes, PLEASE, Bill!
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
Bill seems to be tapping into the deep sadness of Christmas—the other festering side of the festive season.
Well done, my man! Merry melancholy.


Posted 15 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Aaaahhhhhhhhh.....I was having such a grumpy day.  It's all better now.

Posted 16 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
10

Posted 16 years ago by spudboy    [ Reply ]
It's coming on Thanksgiving and I wish I had a river so I could skate away. The family is coming to my house tomorrow.
Posted 16 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Overall, I'm not a huge fan of Joni's, but I really like this song. I've heard it by other artists before, and had no idea is was originally done by Joni.

I'd agree with the person below me...I don't consider this Christmas music. It just happens to be set during the Christmas season, but it's not really a Christmas song. Same thing with Dan Fogelberg's "Another Auld Lang Syne"...it's set during the holiday season, but it's main theme is not about the holiday itself.

Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
 jerseygirl wrote:
ummmm.....think so.
 

What I've always loved about this song is the simple re-arrangement of "Jingle Bells" that gives it that haunting quality.
Posted 16 years ago by F1    [ Reply ]
Dam! Missed it. Love this song....
Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
this song permeates all kinds of memories in my life.
Posted 16 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
It's cold here but not cold enough for ice...I'd love to skate away right now.  I love this song.


Posted 16 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
 SantaFeGrace wrote:
I like Xmas music....but not until at least after Thanksgiving!
 
I don't lump this in with Holiday music. It's certainly not ABOUT the holidays, just set during the time of year. Such a poignant song. Loves me some Joni.

c.

Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I like Xmas music....but not until at least after Thanksgiving!
Posted 16 years ago by SantaFeGrace    [ Reply ]
more JONI !
Posted 16 years ago by ttburger3    [ Reply ]
It's good to hear this again. Thanks Bill.
Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
Too Early!!!
Posted 16 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of a dead friend ... I will sit here and remember him and relish the beauty of this song.  Thanks RP for playing this. 
Posted 16 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
And almost a year later...
Sigh...
{#Good-vibes}
Posted 16 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
Sigh...
Posted 17 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
Hauntingly fabulous!
Posted 17 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Rafter101 wrote:
Wicked depressing, but a beautiful song...
My sentiments exactly. It's a good thing her river is frozen; otherwise she might drown herself rather than skate away.
Posted 17 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
dmax wrote:
You know, this would go really well with Jane Siberry's song about skating.
If you're talking about "Hockey" from Bound By The Beauty, it's on LRC now!
Posted 17 years ago by abby_normal    [ Reply ]
onerb wrote:
Had to stop everything to savor...
... standing beside you
Posted 17 years ago by Marina1    [ Reply ]
bhudevi wrote:
As much slack as I may get for this comment, I think that other artists' covers of this song are better. Of course, Joni is the composer, so she needs to get credit for that.
I agree with this. One version I just love is, believe it or not, done by Robert Downey Jr.
Posted 17 years ago by Honeyman    [ Reply ]
Great song, even for the scrooge inside.
Posted 17 years ago by hikeupit    [ Reply ]
I cannot tolerate "Christmas Music", but this is absolutely spine tingling.
Posted 17 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
*sigh*
Posted 17 years ago by petercroob    [ Reply ]
Had to stop everything to savor...
Posted 17 years ago by onerb    [ Reply ]
Wicked depressing, but a beautiful song...
Posted 17 years ago by Rafter101    [ Reply ]
As much slack as I may get for this comment, I think that other artists' covers of this song are better. Of course, Joni is the composer, so she needs to get credit for that.
Posted 17 years ago by bhudevi    [ Reply ]
classic
Posted 17 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
Pretty song but please please please not Christmas songs before Thanksgiving....***goes off to post a bounty on retail advertising***
Posted 17 years ago by Arianrhod    [ Reply ]
Johnny-smooth wrote:
One of her best pieces - period! Just trancends time and space. As much as I have heard this song over the years, whenever it comes on, I just find myself stopping whatever I am doing to listen and reflect.
Couldn't have put it better.
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
This whole album is a 10, God-like. We truly "aren't worthy."
Posted 17 years ago by starfishNcoffee    [ Reply ]
GODDESS. timeless, absolutely timeless. what a way to live life. timeless.
Posted 17 years ago by jerseygirl    [ Reply ]
UltraNurd wrote:
Is the intro supposed to sound like Jingle Bells?
"it's coming on Christmas..."
Posted 17 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Perfect!
Posted 17 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]