Sarah McLachlan - River (Official Video)

[@NK-cc7bq]

This really is a good cover version and that’s quite rare. I can’t get why some odd people are saying it’s a ‘suicide song’. It isn’t. It’s melancholic and about being lonely at Christmas and looking back regretfully at mistakes made, feeling isolated, when everyone around you has family etc, and still wishing you were elsewhere and could have the warmth that comes from being with someone you love. If anything it’s a hopeful song, if only because the life flame is still burning within. And with that, going on is both natural and necessary.

[@buttercupkong]

This was never a suicide song and anyone who is a fan of Joni Mitchell ( who wrote the song) it's about her break up with Graham Nash- her one true love. Her career and their lives were changing and it didn't work out, this is her expressing her regret and love she still has for him, the River is s symbol of that and the freedom she needed. It never about dying, heart ache yes, dying no. - Amy OBrien

[@Chloe-th2lg]

Joni was the greatest musician and song writer of her time. Yes, regret not suicide. This entire album is a masterpiece.

[@RyanRosario]

It's not a suicide song. But as someone who was in that place last Christmas season, this song hits really hard. Especially that outro... It's like the joy of Christmas turned completely wrong.

[@TheBlueskyson]

well said NK. Agree. Merry xmas all. x

[@dm9856]

Wow what a beautiful description

[@lynns8057]

She has a voice that's pure poetry. She does Joni's song proud. Beautiful.

[@hidden909]

It’s rare someone can sing a Joni Mitchell song as good as she did

[@violetblue2480]

Didn’t think anyone could cover this song and do it any justice…but that was beautiful 🎶♥️

[@isnamthere4690]

Heart does a beautiful version of this song.

[@leoniemillerl4487]

Barry Manilow does a really nice version too on one of his Christmas albums.

[@mvisperas]

Mindi Abair (with Peter White on guitar) did great job on this song, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apLaeoVjr6qJd9E

[@rkfacklam]

"A Girl Named Tom" killed this song on the Voice USA recently...which led them to win at the end.

[@violetblue2480]

@@rkfacklam I know I did see that and it was gorgeous! I hadn’t heard that song in years and when I heard them I was like wow I missed that and beautiful cover!

[@Sameoldfitup]

“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams.

[@ferretocious]

Such a gorgeous cover of this song. The entire album, "Wintersong" is my fave listen during the holidays/Winter. Every track is incredible.

[@MadelineCrow1]

People ask me why I like sad songs. I've never known what to say until now. The reason I like these types of songs (Sarah McLachlan), is because it's such a beautiful melody. I don't focus on what the lyrics mean. I focus on the emotion she is showing in her face and her facial expressions. I focus on how beautiful her voice is and how pure and soft it is. Her singing lifts my spirits and puts a smile on my face. When I listen to Sarah McLachlan songs, it naturally puts me at ease.

[@bourne2468]

How can a song of such utter desolation be so beautiful? It calls us back to those moments we've lost, the wrong turns we've taken and the precious visions that have slipped away. The people who can feel this know Eden in some sense, and have a vision of what great things might be.

[@gordonhall752]

How beautifully you describe what it emotes. Thanks.

[@rachael2345]

❤️

[@amritsagoo5244]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. You must be just that.

[@denisehoose5162]

💞💕

[@d.j.2803]

Bourne, wonderful comment. It brought me tears.

[@kimberlywildasin3666]

This song...I can't do anything without bawling...even emptying the dishwasher. Way to go, Sarah...make this Mama of 3 sob. #kudos

[@sup393]

One of the most beautiful Christmas songs written

[@jayhockley8841]

I once thought You had to get to Heaven , to hear an Angel Sing . This song proves I was Wrong .

[@imru3533]

Voice of an Angel... 😇

[@whisperofsteel]

Doesn't get much better than this. Sarah McLachlan has had me under her spell ever since I first heard her song "Angel" in the movie soundtrack of "City of Angels". Pure beauty, pure talent.

[@emmajacobs369]

Joni Mitchell is a genius, she wrote this when she was about 20!

[@leanhquoc3109]

Is that true?

[@NguyenPhuongCuong]

@@leanhquoc3109 yes, it true bro

[@leanhquoc3109]

@@NguyenPhuongCuong Oh hey there bro from Vietnam

[@leanhquoc3109]

@@NguyenPhuongCuong Ou but yeah, I totally agree with the fact that "Joni is a genius" tho. lol

[@kcunning]

She was a bit older, she was born in 1943. She had already moved to Laurel Canyon & lived with Graham Nash. She wrote much of Blue in response to that breakup and some in response to her new relationship with James Taylor. She was 27 in 1970. She wrote many songs in her early twenties, though, some while living in Detroit with her first husband, Chuck Mitchell. And she was/is a genius, of that there should be no doubt.

[@rikidik5352]

This song should be played over every platform from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day.... It's a Treasure 😊

[@ARUIZ1789]

I've got goosebumps. How is it possible that reggaeton gets so much attention when there are singers like Sarah? Love her voice.

[@nicolelynn4875]

I love this version. Sarah truly captures the melancholy in this song. 💙

[@edcedera]

I've never heard this version, I am speechless.

[@marlenerojciek5235]

Never get tired of Sarah McLachlan's rendition of River. Listen to it all year long.

[@johnfuchs7021]

The sultry complexity of her voice carries me away on this song. A song so personal and lonely. The haunting melody takes me back to the what “if’s” in my life. She owns this cover. Sadness and reflection of Christmas. I love it.

[@lyricmannixon1793]

the voice of a heavenly angel from above . her voice cannot be covered by anyone .

[@AnElusiveButterfly]

Sarah you did Joni proud. Excellent and touching rendition of this beautiful song.

[@steveedington934]

I lost my mum in 2020. I held her as she left us. This is the song that makes me think of every Christmas since.

[@susanparker7960]

Lost Mother in August. My brother and I held her as she slipped away at the age of 96. Our first Christmas without her.

[@steveedington934]

@@susanparker7960 💔It will be a difficult one.

[@Irishcloth]

Wow, there's only been a few covers that have really touched me in my life. This is one. She did an absolutely stunning job.

[@posterlover9986]

My heart just fell, and I’m cry emotionally love this song

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Also, please give a listen to Sandi Thom's cover. Stunning. Let me know what you think.

[@MariaAgnesQuinn]

Have you heard Ben Platt’s cover? It’s jaw dropping!

[@RogerMelodicMusic]

@@MariaAgnesQuinn Yes but come on love THIS version by Sarah is Awesome her voice is so gorgeous with feeling and she holds and extends her voice to make it even more brilliant

[@TheKsnanna]

Please listen to Heart's cover of this song.

[@gothiquin]

Great song by Joni which I've loved for a while and of course Sarah covers it beautifully. Favourite favourite. 🌟

[@hankfromhouston3767]

This song gives me goose bumps. Truly a beautiful song.

[@spinfan1]

She does a beautiful job on this song. One of my favs.

[@barbaracoleman6125]

She sings with so much emotion. I love her voice and songs.💖💖💖💖💖

[@dondecapot9283]

Joni Mitchell & Sarah. A winning combination. Beautiful 😢

[@emmageiger5175]

Ms. McLachlan, Joni, and Robert Downey Junior have all successfully been able to move me to the brink of tears with their respective renditions. One of my favorite songs.

[@omorales4264]

Don't miss Ben Platt's rendition.

[@PheonixRising77]

In my humble opinion, there are VERY few vocalists who can open up their mouth and make my eyes water with the beauty that is their voice. Sarah Mclachlan is one such person. I love every song of hers. She just makes such amazing music with such depth and emotion. She conveys feelings that are too strong to ignore. Probably one of the best female vocalists ever. EVER

[@stellahmuasya3515]

Thank you "the politician" for making me listen to this song....... 😓 Both beautiful and sad

[@susanashley2009]

Breathtakingly beautiful!

[@supermod6168]

The best cover of the best Christmas song.

[@65byteme]

One of the purist voices ever.

[@faychampoux345]

Joni and Sarah.... two national treasures...🇨🇦👏👏

[@xXsarahsourusXx]

Mom & I both struggle with chronic depression. Christmas has always been a difficult holiday for me, but it is my mom’s favorite. This song has resonated with both of us. ❤️

[@vanessalong9932]

Sarah McLachlan. Her voice us so beautiful. Not surprised this is a great cover

[@marcob4630]

I do love Sarah's art: the way she plays and sings good classic music is real class !

[@gravelandgrain100]

I think the reason we enjoy sad songs is because they remind us that we have feelings-the pain and suffering that fills another 24 hours in our daily lives can numb us and we need something that says-"you are human and have every right to feel"...

[@katwriter1969]

A lot of people forget its okay to be human, to feel. This song is a reminder that we all get lonely and need love. And there is NOTHING wrong with that. If you are lonely and simply need a hug, just ask. You'd be surprised at the number of people who are looking for the same thing. Love and be loved. It's our basic humanity.

[@bensdadfrank]

The older I get, the more I understand that love is a luxury, not a necessity. Nothing that can be taken away can be necessary.

[@rlifewaker1]

River in Piano version sounds really excellent and Great performance from Sarah McLachlan............Love it

[@paulhorn27]

This song is so reflective or real-life experience, especially the final ending chords. You know there is no hope for redemption in this situation.

[@BebbiaJ]

I have grown up listing to versions by Joni and Linda Ronstadt. Love them both. Sarah's vocals are tremendous.

[@MM-ly5vb]

This is insane, I have goosebumps all over. The emotion in her voice is so deep, so real ❤️ thank you so much

[@twist777hz]

Every year around the beginning of winter, usually while walking in the frigid weather, I find myself singing this song to myself. This song, together with "Wintersong" and "Song for a Winter's Night", are my all-time favourite winter-themed songs/covers that SM did.

[@ImaQuilter]

Heard this in "Away" Beautiful

[@mariadelosangelestramontan7720]

Me too

[@afiqakmal3374]

@@mariadelosangelestramontan7720 its so beautiful

[@klarson8161]

Only for Sarah did I hear this song! I could listen to it every day! Thank you, Sarah!

[@johnathanmann1120]

I first heard this song on Christmas 2001, I live in the DC area. We had a station that played Christmas music from Thanksgiving till the end of Christmas Day, this is the last song they played at the Christmas format that year, the DJ said it was the most fitting ending for that year.

[@denisethevocalist9903]

hauntingly beautiful. and more meaningful as one gets older.

[@ladyblue1729]

Beautiful! I didn't know this was a Jona Mitchel song until I heard Sarah McLachlan sing this on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and when she was finished he said like, "Christmas in July?" I didn't care. I thought this is one of the prettiest songs I've ever heard. Now, every Christmas I have to play it at least once if not twice. To me, it's a song you could listen to all year round.

[@andrewjwheelerjr275]

Miss Sarah sweetness plays this so smoothly and efficiently and effectively it just gives you a sense of being by a big beautiful river to just get away from it all I just love the different versions sung by so many,many wonderful artists such as herself and miss joni sweetness well peace to all😍😍😘😘😇😇.

[@kelvinbolton9395]

Beautiful pianist. Beautiful songstress. Beautiful song. Beautiful young lady. I guess its all just beautiful.

[@snoopee11]

She is as beautiful as her voice. Oh my

[@dondecapot9283]

Absolutely amazing. Thanks to God for that being voice.

[@d.j.2803]

This brings tears to my eyes: first, remembering Joni sing this and then the sentiments and the delivery here is UNREAL beautiful. I am a singer and TRULY appreciate both Women. Also, Sarah's Piano playing is so sensitive. I love this song. THANKS, Joni and Sarah! Dave from Portugal...

[@ApostolToTo]

She is MOST talented. I don't think anybody can come close to her level.

[@DreFromMaine8472]

I like this cover of River better than the original, Sarah played and sang it perfectly!

[@dani_rose4]

who's the original artist?

[@morninggloryone]

Right in Step w/ My Life Story. Christmas Blessings. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder...” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJ) ♥ +

[@comet1954]

Beautiful. Just...beautiful...

[@Billw0006]

This was played during the show ER. Nice job with a fine song.

[@cinbrian28]

there are no words to do this justice.....simply amazing, that's all I've got.

[@BianchiRoadshow]

OMG! I think that's the most beautiful thing I've ever listened to. OMG!

[@Vitaluv]

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, I'm 27 and I have been in love with your music since 1992. You are hands down my favorite female artists of all time. You just make it seem so effortless.

[@elrioviolino3549]

Don't ever let a day go by without giving your heart wholly and completely to someone. They may not even know it when it happens. Just do it....

[@chrisgreen3797]

Beautiful

[@KutsaiChan]

I can just feel the emotions pour out of this song, and it gave me goosebumps, and I felt the tears well up in my arms. Her music is so beautiful, no wonder I've been a fan of her since I was 3.

[@denisehoose5162]

Her voice has a way of emotion like no other❤

[@venusnode6]

I'm so thankful you are alive Sarah.

[@likable72]

I’m tearing up.I am feeling so sad and lonely.

[@Kokoro1987]

She sings and she reads poetry with a beautiful voice to our soul.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I love this lady so much. She communicates so perfectly.

[@lindsaykuzia5038]

Hauntingly beautiful dare I say even better than the original

[@pacimo2008]

I love Haley Wetonra version. She sang it in Tewkesbury Cathedral many years ago and I was in the front row...totally spellbound

[@mariademers3111]

This song hits so hard. I miss you DD forever and ever……

[@stardustian]

Beautiful song

[@ryankim7888]

I JUST LOVE YOU SARAH...... CAN'T SAY MUCH MORE.... YOUR VOICE IS NOT OF THIS WORLD..... YOU JUST MAKE ME THINK OF MY LIFE EVERY NIGHT.... WHEN I'M LISTENING TO YOUR SONGS EVERY NIGHT....... HOW PRECIOUS THIS LIFE IS AND MY FAMILY AND ALL.......... THANK YOU.............

[@JoanneRitter]

Such a beautiful cover of Joni Mitchell's River.

[@sophieharcar9465]

Always play video at Christmas...every year! So peaceful 😇

[@stever5066]

Simply beautiful, this song cuts to the core of my broken heart now...

[@62gavster]

So so beautiful. One of the best performances I have ever witnessed WOW. Don't mind admitting I was moved to tears.

[@laurienedvin2384]

It takes courage to go to those dark, sad and painful feelings. I have fond that the honesty in the comment section are very brave and I thank them for their bravery and vulnerability. Going that deep is where the unsealed wounds are so actually there is HOPE. Because if we can access and talk about those hurts, and flush out the wounds, healing occurs and we can experience true happiness. Other kinds of pain we just learn to live with-or do the best we can. But now we have room for new experiences, change our focus and truly live life.

[@pointedspider]

How have I never heard this song?!?! Beautiful song!

[@moonstone1159]

Beautiful! Glad to see more artists dive into Joni Mitchell's genius.

[@tmancman9100]

Brought a tear to my eye, I'm not afraid to say. How lovely.

[@clairedemidova]

I cried listening to this wonderful song over and over again, it reminds me of my baby whom I made say good-bye. I heard Tori Amos performing it live several days ago here in Paris. I prefer Sarah's version, it's more soothing, as though she calms me down for my loss of the best baby I ever had

[@csp008]

I’m back Sarah….from quoting your lyrics on an old post from 10 years ago. ❤ Thank you for this legend.

[@mosbahtayeb3252]

Our sight will soon be gone... and history will remain in our minds!

[@user-vv7og1gt7t]

I wish I had a river to skate away on, I don’t think I can get through another year of this sadness in the world. Wow, her voice in incredible

[@annatiernan1474]

I feel the same way, I wish you peace and happiness.

[@herroyalhighness5634]

Would love to hear you do “Remember” by Harry Nilsson.

[@housamzammam9727]

After all this time This song still amazing .. God bless you

[@katraylor]

This is an incredible cover. Not many people can do this to the point where it's worthy of comparison to the original, but I almost like hers better. She does haunting, sad music like few other artists.

[@goldengirl6805]

Sad song....... To A special person ✨️

[@teejamjam8915]

each artist has his/her own charms. don't judge, just listen and appreciate. that is all i can tell ya. Peace : )

[@seaneman6789]

DAMN! I love her voice! Her rendition of this is just so emotional.

[@hankfromhouston3767]

Came here because I love this song.

[@philipperonce3135]

Sarah, you are so true, so beautiful, one can just love you with a full open broken heart

[@lindsaykuzia5038]

This song makes me so sad yet i still listen every year!!😭😭😭😭

[@denisehoose5162]

Me too. It is so beautiful tho. As well as sarah❤

[@parthass22]

Thanks to Away i got to know her Pure peace of mind

[@tld8630]

Sarah McLachlan a beautiful artist and woman❤❤

[@RoyFleming-k3t]

You said that perfectly I totally agree you sound like a great woman with strong lovely emotional heart bless you darling x

[@amylarson2980]

From one Canadian to another, this is the best rendition of "River" I've ever heard, apart from Joni Mitchell. Positively incredible.

[@ashleybaker1097]

I love this song. Thank you Sarah for sharing your beautiful voice!