Introduction
While “If Love Was A River” isn’t one of Alan Jackson’s biggest hits, it resides on his 2004 album “What I Do.” This introspective collection marked a shift for Jackson, with “What I Do” being the first of his albums not to produce any chart-topping singles. However, the emotional depth of the songs, like “If Love Was A River,” resonated with fans.
Details about the song’s origin are a little murky. It wasn’t released as a single, and there aren’t any interviews with Jackson specifically discussing “If Love Was A River.” However, we do know it wasn’t written solely by Jackson.
The songwriting credits include Alan Jackson and The Wrights, a duo consisting of Adam and Shannon Wright. Interestingly, Adam Wright is actually Jackson’s nephew. The Wrights also provided backing vocals for the track, adding a layer of familial harmony to the song.
“If Love Was A River” utilizes a metaphor to explore the complexities of love. Jackson sings of being a “drowning man” if love were a river, questioning if his love interest would offer help. The lyrics then explore different scenarios, with love presented as a mountain, a fire, a train, all prompting questions about the strength and commitment within the relationship.
This introspective ballad invites listeners to contemplate their own journeys of love. Would they jump in to save a loved one? Would they climb a metaphorical mountain for them? “If Love Was A River” is a poignant exploration of the depths we’re willing to go to for love, wrapped in Jackson’s signature warm vocals and a country melody that lingers long after the last note fades.