Song analysis

In the song “The River” Bruce Springsteen uses the symbols and archetypes of water, sexuality, and youth to express the theme that one decision can alter all. According to Bruce Springsteen, “then I got Mary pregnant and man that was all she wrote.” The river felt like home to him: “It is an obvious symbol of transformation for not only does it change from tadpole to frog but it is as much at home in the water as it is on land” (Stevens 338). Even though Bruce acted like he did not remember-- “well mister they vanished right into the air now I just act like I don't remember” --he was not saying the truth: “But I remember us riding in my brother's car.”