Meaning of "The River's Rising" by Joe Cocker

"The River's Rising" by Joe Cocker explores the overwhelming power of love and the intensity of emotions it can bring. The lyrics convey a sense of being swept away by the depth of feelings for someone, unable to resist the pull towards them. The repeated refrain of "The river's rising" reinforces the idea of being caught up in a flood of emotions that are impossible to ignore or control. The speaker acknowledges that their life felt incomplete before meeting this person, likening it to being alone in a dream until they were awakened by love. The imagery of losing control but feeling empowered by love suggests a surrender to the overwhelming force of their emotions. Overall, the song captures the euphoria and all-consuming nature of love, portraying it as a force that can fill up the void within and elevate one to new heights.