If The River Can Bend

[BiteUrLip]

Music: Elton John

Lyrics: Bernie Taupin

piano and vocals: Elton John

guitar: Davey Johnstone

guitar: John Jorgenson

bass: Bob Birch

keyboards: Guy Babylon

drums and percussion: Charlie Morgan

choir: East London Gospel Choir

I don't know what to say

I don't know where the light shines

It's a grey dawn rising on a green hill

And there's so much behind us


I don't know where we go

I sure feel there's something out there

There's a great awakening and a new morning

And your spirit's pounding loud and clear


chorus:


If the river can bend

I'll find you waiting

Home at last from the wild sea

All the twists and turns

We've made together

All the boats you rocked

With your harmony

If the river can bend

If the river can bend

If the river can bend

If the river can bend


Come and embrace the struggle

But win or lose we live here

Build a new beginning on an old rock

Breathe deep of the sweet fresh air


(repeat chorus)


(repeat chorus)


(repeat chorus)


If the river can bend...

[BiteUrLip]

This is on the top from the album for many, for me it's in the middle. I love the verses but the chorus ain't that good to me.

4½ stars.

[nix]

5
brilliant... one of his best from one of his best albums ever

[dougs]

"If The River Can Bend" from THE BIG PICTURE:

1997's THE BIG PICTURE came at a tough time for Elton;  he had just lost friends Gianni Versace and Princess Diana.  The album was essentially lyrically written about relationships and some were clearly personal ones for EJ.  The album saw Chris Thomas return to producing duties - something that Bernie clearly didn't celebrate.  "If the River Can Bend" was one of the singles chosen from THE BIG PICTURE.  Elton said that the song was "about all the possibilities if you're willing to change.  Never give up, there's always hope..."  The song is one of the few upbeat songs on the record and has gospel flavours aided by the East London Gospel Choir.  John Jorgenson adds some rocking electric guitar in the outro and EJ adds one of his strong piano instrumentals found throughout the album.

EJ and the band played "If The River Can Bend" live on the extended THE BIG PICTURE tour in 1997 and 1998 and not since.

The album has a bit of a production sheen to it that doesn't create a stripped down organic sound that is probably more favoured by Bernie.  He has trashed this album. The songwriting and vocals are there.  It is nice to hear EJ hitting his higher vocal range here and on other songs on the album.  It is interesting how many songs relate to the sea, rivers, etc. as did "If The River can Bend." Even the CD and vinyl label show a stormy sea behind EJ.

Rating: 4 to 4 1/2 stars

Doug

[newloneranger]

I've always enjoyed this underrated album. This is one of the best from it.

5 stars