Released: 2024
Myles Smith hits it out of the park with “River”. It’s a heartfelt anthem that tackles the emotional struggle of keeping your problems to yourself, and the relief that comes when you finally open up. You can almost hear the compassion in his voice, as he reassures the listener that it’s okay to let the tears, or the “river”, flow.
Starting off with “Out in the deep end, you’re treading water”, Smith perfectly captures how it feels when you’re overwhelmed by life’s trials. He uses the imagery of being in deep water and waves crashing down, underscoring both a sense of danger and the frustration of trying to stay afloat. But he offers a lifeline, saying “you don’t have to be so strong when you’re with me”, assuring the listener that they don’t have to go it alone.
Moving on to “Don’t keep it a secret when deep down you’re hurtin’ / Just open the curtains”, Smith emphasizes the importance of vulnerability. He rejects the notion that sharing your burdens is a sign of weakness, arguing instead that the weight of the world is too heavy to carry alone.
When he sings “let it out, let it go, it’s okay to cry”, it’s a clear message about the healing power of expressing emotions. Smith reassures listeners that it’s okay to break down, to let tears fall, to let the river flow. It’s pretty clear that the “river” here is a metaphor for tears, representing a release of bottled-up emotions.
Smith’s “River” reminds us that it’s okay to not be okay, that we aren’t alone in our struggles, and most importantly, it’s okay to express our emotions. It’s not just a song, it’s a comforting hand on the shoulder saying, “I’m here for you”.
