What is the song "The River" by Good Charlotte talking about?

Question

I've listened to the song and I really enjoy it, but I dont understand what they are talking about. Can someone please tell me the meaning of the song? Thank You! :]

Answer 1

The song seems to have a lot of refrences to christianity, mentioning the prodigal son, sin, repentance, and rebirth through baptism. The song talks about the sin present in L.A and the ideal lifestlye that the media presents us.

Answer 2

yea, its about the different sides of LA. and how we are all sinners in a way, and LA is not all that pleasant and great as celebrities and other ppl make it seem. its like the rise and fall of LA. it's about the 3 sides of LA, the los angelos of fun, the LA of excess which ppl experience after their there, and the toxic LA, which is the homeless, poor, you know. but gc is saying that there's an excitement and energy in that too, so their trying to capture all those moments and feelings and sides and incorporate them into a video. i know its kinda confusing, but watch the video and it'll make sence! hope that helped, and i also love that song and gc!!!!

Answer 3

It depends on interpretation, but from the lyrics it seems it's talking about repenting from doing wrong, and that LA isn't all it's cracked up to be- city of sin.
(Feat. M Shadows & Synyster Gates from Avenged Sevenfold)

As I walk through the valley
of the shadow of LA
The footsteps that were next to me
have gone their separate ways
I've seen enough now
to know that beautiful things
don't always stay that way
I've done enough now
to know this beautiful place
isn't everything they say

i heard that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light

Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered

(M. Shadows)
You're from a small town
you're gonna grow up fast
underneath these lights
Down in Hollywood on the boulevard
the dead come back to life
To the praying Mother
The worried Father
Let your children go
If they come back they'll come home stronger
and if they don't you'll know

They sing that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light

Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered

Baptized in the river (on my own)
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
(on my own)
(on my own)
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river (on my own)
I wanna be delivered

I confess I'm a sinner
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered