THE RIVER

When I pack up my classroom for the summer, I usually play a Garth Brooks CD while I work. I've done this for years now. I don't listen to country music regularly, but something about his music gives me the energy and motivation to pack and prep for summer!

Garth Brooks- Blame It All On My Roots

I was taken by surprise when the counselor came in to do a guidance lesson on making good choices, and her entire lesson was based on the lyrics to Garth Brooks' "The River".  I seriously doubt any of my students had ever heard of Garth Brooks before that day, and very few of them have probably ever heard country music at all.  But the lesson actually went very well!  The students were unusually attentive, and seemed to enjoy the vocabulary lessons that went with the discussion of the song (vessel, rapids, etc...). When I mentioned that I had the CD at home, they asked me to bring it.  It was nice to play the song again the next day and hear the students discuss the meaning behind it and how they need to make good choices to have a long and happy life.  (Necessary conversation in a community where not all kids finish high school due to gangs, drugs, crime, etc...). We've had this conversation before, but using music made it more meaningful.

Now that the Garth Brooks CD is at school, I was motivated to pack 3 boxes today!  Ok, so there's still 26 days left of school and I really don't want boxes all over the place, but I had my motivational music on, so why not get started!  3 boxes down, and plenty more to go. I've moved classrooms so often, it's not a big deal to move anymore.  Though someday it would be nice to stay in one classroom again.  But until then, I have my Garth Brooks CD to motivate me!

The River by Garth Brooks

You know a dream is like a river

Ever changing as it flows

And a dreamer's just a vessel

That must follow where it goes

Trying to learn from what's behind you

And never knowing what's in store

Makes each day a constant battle

Just to stay between the shores and

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside

And let the waters slip away

'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow

Has now become today

So don't you sit upon the shoreline

And say you're satisfied

Choose to chance the rapids

And dare to dance the tide, yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

There's bound to be rough waters

And I know I'll take some falls

But with the good Lord, as my captain

I can make it through them all, yes

I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Yes, I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

'Til the river runs dry

Songwriters

Shaw Victoria Lynn; Brooks Troyal Garth

Published by

UNIVERSAL MUSIC-MGB SONGS