As I've mentioned previously there's a sort of sadness to Christmas that I enjoy as well. And no one does it better than Sarah McLachlan! Her Christmas album is full of beauty and sadness...I guess that's called bittersweet?
I didn't know this song until I was in Japan and also discovered Ally McBeal for the first time. It just so happened to be on a Christmas episode (with Robert Downey Jr who I love and have always loved even through the crazy drug times and yes I realize we don't actually know each other) Anyway I was struck by just how lovely and sad it was so when I heard Sarah sing it? I was in love. I could probably listen to this song a million times on repeat. By the way, in case you missed it? I am a melancholy sort of person! Who is also an optimist. No, it doesn't make sense.
So for your listening pleasure today....River.
18 comments:
Oh, that is a lovely song <3 I also love Tori Amos' version and the Joni Mitchell original.
Oh, man. You were an Ally McBeal fan too?? And Robert Downey, Jr.?? You are and I have some very similar tastes!!
I've never heard this song before, either, somehow. It's beautiful, though!
I know melancholy and I know optimism and I love Sarah M.
I get it.
xo
b
Oh, I too love Robert Downey Jr. And I understand the whole melancholy/optimism thing. It's like when I tell people that I am a loud introvert - it confuses people. But these things can fit together.
Although I love Sarah McLachlan's entire Christmas album, this is definitely my favorite song. In fact, I've been known to listen to it year-round!
I'm not sure I really noticed this song before it was on Ally McBeal - at least, I'm not sure I associated it with Christmas before that. I'm not a huge Joni Mitchell fan, but I actually like her original, and I have a version done as a duet between Madeleine Peyroux and k.d. lang that I really like. I can't remember whether I've heard Sarah McLachlan's version or not!
Two things: 1) I love the Ally McBeal soundtracks, especially the third one with all the Robert Downey Jr. songs. Love love love love.
2) Sarah McLachlan's recording of "River" is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I've been dying to listen to it since, like, March.
Great post.
Thanks for reminding me that I need to add Wintersong to my Christmas playlist! The playlist now feels more complete :)
Sixpence None The Richer also does a good version of this song.
It seems strange to me that River is considered a Christmas song now just because of that Ally McBeal album. I don't know, I always think of summer when I listen to that song for some reason. :P
Thanks for the song! I actually like this version better than Joni Mitchell's. Hadn't thought of this as a Christmas song before...
I love this song! I hadn't heard Sarah's version before, but it is a wonderful rendition of a great song!
You should check out the Peter White and Kenny Lattimore version. It is gorgeous!
"there's a sort of sadness to Christmas that I enjoy as well"
It is so interesting that you mention that, because I said something similar on another blog recently and hadn't realized that many others felt that same way. I enjoy that bit of melancholy that comes with the season. George Winston's December has a lot of songs that feel melancholy to me and I just love it.
And you're right, Sarah is perfect at this. Love this song.
What a lovely song. I love Robert Downey Jr. too, especially now when he is all clean and sober. He says the love of a good woman saved him, which I always think is nice. (If it's true - otherwise, just creepy.)
I LOVE McLachlan so much! And Christmas melancholy is a big part of the season's beauty, imo. :)
I heart Sarah McLachlan. And also, the Joni Mitchell original :)
I love her (and yes, I don't know her :) ) Robert Downey Jr. has always charmed me too.
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