"Where did my soul go? Where did my spirit hide? Why won't they rescue me from the pain in my mind?" 61 yrs. now and I'm still asking. I can definitely relate.
This is one of the most haunting songs I have ever heard. I am not sure how this song is supposed to be interpreted but this is how I choose to see it. ( Lord, please help those who are suffering from addictions, depression, hopelessness, or anything that is keeping them from You. Lead them to the river of life that flows from the throne. Jesus, You are the source of that river. Those who accept You will see God in His glory. They will live because they are forgiven and made holy through Your death and resurrection. I ask You Heavenly Father, please touch their hearts and help them to understand the urgency and the importance of a relationship with You. I pray that each and everyone will embrace Your love and accept the plan of salvation. I ask this in Your Holy name. Amen.
Thank you for this prayer. I wrote it down and will pray it everyday. I realize you wrote this a year ago but wanted you to know that it made it's way to me exactly when I needed and it. Thank you
To the lady who prayed this prayers for those, such as MYSELF AND ALL THE OTHER ADDICTS, WHO'S SUFFERING FROM THEIR DEMONS.... THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYER. I LISTEN TO THIS SONG EVERYDAY AND I KNOW WHAT THE SONG IS ABOUT. YET I STILL CAN NEVER FIND THE RIGHT WORDS TO PRAY FOR MY STRUGGLES AND OTHERS AS WELL. YOU WORDED IT PERFECTLY, FOR ME TO SAY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM PRAYING FOR. I KNOW IN MY HEART. BUT CANT FIND THE RIGHT WORDS. ALSO THANK GOD FOR YOU AND J J MOFO FOR WRITING THIS SONG. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
Below is an excerpt from an interview with JJ about the song and it's lyrics. Apparently it's somewhat of a lost meaning if you can believe that. As deeply moving as the song is JJ didn't really nail down definitions but did manage to weakly define at least the major part of his inspiration. "He was just drunk [A guy fishing near Jacksonville Fla] and looked like somebody who’d lost everything. He had that look homeless people sometimes have. I didn’t talk to the guy, I just saw him. We didn’t have to talk. It just seemed like that was his story. For all I know, he was happy as a lark. "At any rate, watching him hit home. And the song is just about reflection and what really is real. He’s kind of asking those questions. I’ve been that dude before, but to a lesser extent. I’ve never lost everything. “I guess the idea is - and I didn’t intend this - how bad your life is depends on how bad you want it to be or how good you want it to be" The producers of the video are responsible for the choreography and the "message" that's being attempted is JJ taking a walk by the river to clear his thoughts following a harsh confrontation with his wife. He meets his older unchanged self on the banks of the river (Danny Aeillo) and sees what his emotional state will be if he doesn't get his shit together.
The song describes my life since 2009, I lost my daughter then, I lost my world, then lost my mom and dad in 2014 and 16, and lost my husband many years ago the first time, when he strayed, it was my first broken heart😢, and now I've lost him for good, he passed away in 22, it's hard, I'm sober, and I have cirrhosis, the song touches my soul like no other, love you JJ 🫶✌️🥹, my spirit heart and everything else, went to heaven with my daughter, have not been living, only existing 🙏
Sitting here at 68, drinking black coffee tears flowing down my cheeks. So many have passed so suddenly, that its overwhelmed my senses. My lil baby brother is a box of ashes in my kitchen, he passed away 09/20/2023 in my home. Drugs and Alcohol, sad situations through out his life killed him... Thanks for giving me space for grace.
67 myself , lived 4 years pm the Ogeechee River In south Georgia . I also have a little water leaking from my eyes. I still live a primitive lifestyle (by choice) although I moved up from tents to a camper. It seems possible that I have learned a couple things. The one want to share with you is there is no death as we perceive it. You know when these cell phones get 10% they have to be charged up...same . Seems we live but with less energy until we charged up. Sound familiar ? I'm no bible thumber but I'm familiar..Luke 14:21 quotes Jeus" Whosoever believes in me (his teachings) even tho he dies , yet shall he live..it is also what I have been taught...We could possibly ne recharging at this time. I tell people often the opposite if what we are told seems to be the truth .
Sending you love frank. Diagnosed bipolar two months ago at 54. Finding out why I took all of the wrong roads in life. I'm going to pay for you and all of us men that have been beat down by life. Good bless Frank!!
My little brother who adored me, and vice versa, died in my arms at 49….He could never kick the meth, not even prison could make him stop…since he was 17yo…I called him 2 weeks before his death, to beg him to stop, that final a fatal shot can be the end of you…I was crying,begging…2 weeks later, he died in my arms after I unhooked his ventilator…I cried for ten solid months, even tho I am RN, it’s hard to watch your family member die…I had to let him go, he was unrecoverable…I bore the brunt of his care, so my poor Mother did not have to make the decisions..I miss him, he sends me feathers all the time…the only person he ever hurt was himself, and that tears me to pieces…😭😭😭💔💔💔
I lost my 28yo son this past June, I drink to dull the pain! I truly believe a spirit lead me to this music. I feel these lyrics deep in my soul.The power, emotion and soul in his voice is stunning.
I lost my 29yr old son last September, I'm so sorry for your pain I can definitely empathize!! He was my second child I found dead. This song touches me as utterly deep as possible! I'm from New Hampshire and this song came on a few yrs ago and had literally moved me in my core! Since then I have fallen in love with JJ grey and mofro and love all his music! And the stories behind it!
I hope you both reach out and find people to help you deal with your grief. Please don't suffer in silence there are others facing the same demons you are. It is such a relief to not have to face it alone.
Horrible how many of us have lost our babies before they had a chance to figure life out. I lost my daughter when she was exactly 26½ yrs old. I despise the greedy people who thought handing out opiods like candy was a good idea. How they sleep at night I'll never know. I do know my daughter is not hurting anymore. She's no longer asking me why this happened to her or why she has to be like this. She didn't seek out drugs. She wasn't unloved. We went to reputable doctors for help for painful female issues. Never in my life did I believe these people would give a barely 18 yr old the amount of pain meds they prescribed to her over & over. I literally went broke paying other professionals to help my child. I didn't care about money. I didn't care about my home. I wanted my child to be ok. For 6 months I had her back, one slip ended it all. I get through everyday bc I know she knew I loved her with every ounce of my being. She was and will always be the biggest love of my life🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
It's 2024 and i have just found this song. As i listened while reading many comments of loneliness, pain,heartache and perseverance i was truly touched. 😢
Stage 4 cancer... I live every day to the fullest.. my wife is the reason I push on.. I gladly will float down any river ..she is my reason ...what a song..
And I would like to inform you of something me and you and everyone we are the children of the father the father of all things and like are father you are very very very powerful like are father
Keep up the good fight brother!!! You are not alone!!! Give yourself credit for having the courage to fix your problem!!! Thos along may have been the motivation to start but it was YOU who followed through each day!!! May God truly bless your life and future journey!!!
I love coming back to this song and reading the comments, about how this song has touched so many and how it continues to find broken people. I don't know if JJ is a religious person, but this song sure connects deeply with anyone who is as well as the ones that aren't.
This is a awesome song for sure I love it very much my Dad,was a drinker for years and a mean one when drinking we have all had bad times in our lives!🌟
I lost my wife and daughters 19 years ago. Some minutes are ok. Some are anything but. I was working the other day and this song came on my Spotify. I stayed there and looked like I was working, but the tears rolled down my face just as thick as they ever have. Sometimes I feel like I've been hurting longer than I've been alive. It's a heavy cross and never gets lighter. This song breaks me everytime. Time does not heal all wounds. Trust me.
Your exactly the person someone has been looking for. Someone out there needs your love. And your still here so that means you've got more to give, and even more to receive. I hope you find them.
I can't pretend to know the pain you feel everyday, when you find a song that brings you to tears I think it's important to enjoy that few moments and smile for the ones you've lost. I think your tears tell them how much you Love and miss them, and your smile tells them that you know they are with you everyday. God bless you
No time doesn't heal wounds of the heart. My Johnny Angel and grandchild both passed within a month. I've lost both parents and 2 sisters within the last 3 yrs. I know more dead people than live ones. Everyone is so busy and all I can do is remember my past. I don't see much of a future and I'm 61. God Jesus and Johnny get me through each day. RD
Alone in a crowd. Drowning my pain and yet smile like a clown in a circus. Every loss with every year adds to the pain that never ends. This song makes me feel that I'm not alone.
Believe me your NOT alone the human condition leaves us to suffer so so much unknown , unseen ,unspoken missery .... WE ALL SUFFER THIS SOLELY , rarely seen or shared . Just know that it is part of the personal judgements we pass on ourselves . Give it to the creator , let it flow away , know WE ARE JUST US and he will carry it all away .
Your not bro. I just lost my wife on Sept. 4th. This I year unexpected cancer so n sgr r ssive from diagnosis to death was a bout 3 weeks . Get out of the funk and get to living.
I have been sober for twenty seven years I still wake up every morning and tell myself that I am a alcoholic. When I first heard this song I broke out in tears it speaks volumes and will always be my go too song in times of need Thank you
Been out of rehab 273 day and sober , listening to this song o the way to work, struggling today .. my wife said last night she doesn’t know if she can handle me anymore! I’m soo broken, but I’m trying
Sometimes life can be so painful that it stimulates your heart and forces it to beat again and in that moment healing can start to begin. Bless you my friend and know that others care.
That is exactly how I feel. I feel this song deep down in my soul touching me, refreshing me, healing me. I could listen to it over and over and over and never get tired of it. I love this song. ❤
I listen to this song everyday it opens old painfully wounds I cry and heal at the same time life is tough and cruel 💔 but we will get through it won't we.
This song has touched me so deeply I cry every time I hear it ...you see I'm homeless and I live on the truck river.. it was me and my mom .. got evicted be cause of the covid ... she had a stroke because of it... she was an officer's wife my dad passed away sometime back three-time tour Vietnam vet you didn't deserve to be homeless so if it's okay I'd like to dedicate that song to her I love you Mom and I miss you very much
The older I get, the more I lose. Lost my mom(my BEST FRIEND) 3 years ago. Right or wrong she was the ONLY ONE who ALWAYS had my back. I took am now homeless. Counting on the kindness of others. This world will bring you to your knees baby. I heard a saying once... God didn't say it was gonna be easy, He said it was gonna be worth it. But how can that be when you don't have the strength to get on your feet again to claw your way to the happiness , especially when you can't even see it ahead ? Is it ? Is it "worth it" ? I've been living in this hell with no way out for 3 years now. I'd GLADLY trade my life for someone who wants it. No need to take a # I'm sure. Try and hang in there as long as you can. Maybe you will make a difference in someone's life and it will be " worth it". I'll be praying for you. ❤️🙏
@@laurakupisz4673 I know what your saying. How is it worth it in the end, when you can't see the light? I too am homeless because of drugs and alcohol. The most important thing I lost is myself. I'm living with family and the shelter but it gets hard, hard on my family because they want the best for me. I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. I'm struggling with keeping my head. Praying used to help now, nothing. Everything is dark. I'll say a prayer for you and for everyone who is struggling. Stay young and live free my friends
Can’t get thru this without tears for my comrades in arms. Post mission down time the worst. After leaving service, not having your brothers around unbearable ... thanks JJ and Mo - keep me thinking and pushing forward.
this song is powerful and speaks to so many who struggle with addiction, sadness, anxiety, depression, mental illness, any struggle you can imagine. it's OK to be sad, is OK to be angry, it's OK to be confused. and it's always OK to be thankful and apologize if necessary. courage.
But the question remains unanswered. "What do I do? Where can I go? Where, if anywhere (knowing full and well that there is NO answer) can I find peace??? I'ts OK to be angry and all the rest that you mentioned. but at the end of the day as it were, how do I carry on with life...the weight...the anger....the confusion.....the sadness......the endlessness and being misunderstood for feeling...just, feeling too much... Time just don't care. Then, there you sit. Older. Perhaps wiser. But despite that, alone. Wondering what happened and how did I get here? With no answer, you start at the beginning. "what do I do?", "where can I go?"...an endless defeating circle that consumes hope and will...
Hope and will.... The courage to try and forge ahead with others or go it alone. I truly believe some people are meant to go through these twisted paths alone with their struggles and come out stronger
This was played at my husbands funeral also.. Played for him in hospice. His fight with cancer was soon over.. February 15, 1960 - February 22, 2015..RIP Bart Daniel.. I love you
david cunningham Thank You.. Loved listening to JJ Grey.. I still go to grave site and play JJ Grey everyday... Have my coffee in the morning there playing it and every evening listening to it with him...
I'm a 14 year old girl and most of my life my mother was on drugs, this song hits home. When I listen to this song I can feel the pain that she went through. God bless you all! ❤ UPDATE: Thank you all for the replies, if not for you I don't know if I could have truly forgiven her. I'm 15 now and my relationship with my mother is great. She's been clean 4 years now. ❤
Everyone who chooses to use a drug for the first time does it for the very same reason. To feel something good. It makes no difference if they have a reason to feel bad most people don't use the first time to simply remedy a bad feeling. Everyone wants to feel something good no matter how good they feel already! The first time anyone uses is always the idea that it'll make them feel something really good, from an outside source that's felt instantly. In most cases it works. It does exactly what they expected it to do and often a whole lot better. When the effect is gone, the desire to feel it again is why they use again. They know it worked the first time and what's wrong with feeling good? Our culture tells us what's wrong with it. But it goes well beyond that and it tells us we should feel bad. It tells us we are weak, and irresponsible. It locks us up like killers and thieves. It's tells us and tells our children that anyone who uses drugs just once is a criminal. A loser. A damaged person who will never have a good job or be a good parent or go to college or be trusted if they've used drugs even ONCE. What keeps anyone from using it again if it not only feels really good, you're already doomed anyway and that's a bad feeling the drugs will take away! It's called a disease and it is, but it's not a social disease that makes you a loser for life. So many young people believe that, and have no reason to say no after the very first time. Chasing that feeling produced the first time combined with the idea that your branded forever is a very powerful feeling. Like nothing else. But the reason people do it changes and they don't pay attention to that change because it doesn't matter. The drug will feel good. But it doesn't feel the same. It stops feeling good and just keeps you from feeling bad. And it gets worse Every time you don't use, and every time you do you adapt physically and mentally to expect it to. Your body suffers the toxic effect and the change in diet, activity and how you heal. Its more bad to fix. The drug will fix it. Addiction is the inability to say no, to something you believe feels good, but is only keeping you from feeling the bad you hadn't felt the first time you used it. Addiction is your body telling your brain that even the risk of death doesn't matter, you'd rather die than feel what you feel without the drug. And even when you know it's the drug that's making you feel that way, you know it's the only thing that will make you NOT feel that way right NOW. I hope this helps you understand how powerful the addiction is. It's a fact that it's NOT a social disease that goes away the moment you decide not to use. It's a physical disease and it's called disease because biologists found a chemical difference in people who are addicts and alcoholics and people who are not. Then they found the same chemical difference in people who have never used or drank in their lifetime. This is the first component of disease. The second component is the impact of the action. The disease has no impact if no drugs or alcohol is used. When either is used the disease presents the symptomatic stage, the toxic impact on the body and mind. It gets worse and worse until it kills you. And it will. It does, and that's the only "cure" for the disease. The only other way to prevent the onset and symptoms and death is to take the drug away from the addict or the addict away from the drug. Or treat them medically and mentally and support the withdrawals with medicine and food. Change the behaviors that caused the use. Offer ongoing support to continue avoiding the symptomatic agent of the deadly disease with only one cure. Death. I hope your mom is clean. Forgive her if she is and tell her you understand why it happened and why it was so hard to say no and stop. Tell her you know things about addiction and alcohol that most kids your age don't, and you have good reasons not to use. Let your mom know it's what you learned after she stopped. And seeing her pain and struggle and understanding it now that you don't want to feel that way. Tell her she's a strong brave woman for getting through it. And you're proud and happy that she doesn't live in that hell anymore. And if she hasn't quit yet, tell her those are all the things you WANT to say to her. Before you can't, when the drugs cure the disease. And tell her there are other addicts who don't have loving children like she does, who've somehow gotten through it and lived. People like me. When it's all added up and mixed in together, I guess you can say I did it for you. If your mom is gone in whatever way that word applies, I'm sorry. Don't test the waters you know will pull you under. But if you screw up and use once, remember this. The next time you use could kill you. Every time you use COULD kill you. Until it does kill you. Because it will. Could is a fools word. Would you keep geting on a plane you know WILL kill you? "Could" means nothing to anyone until it does. Don't let "could" tempt you no matter how many times it didn't. You know two things for sure. It will if you use. It won't if you don't. And more often than not, a child of an addict or alcoholic is an addict or alcoholic. China has had drugs and alcohol in their culture for 3000 years. Yet less than 1% of the population is an addict or alcoholic. Native Americans first had alcohol and drugs 200 years ago when european settlers arrived. But it's estimated that 89% have the disease active or inactive. What's that mean? China proves the disease will kill everyone who has it before it goes away. It's close. Natives not so close. If 89% of the native population dies, the culture would disappear. Peace.
Hi Jada i hope you have good people around you to take care of you and your mother but try to stay strong my heart hurts for you so young to have all this pain i will pray that you will come through all this trauma and light will shine on you and the future will be blessed please stay strong and try to study with your school work not sure if your teachers know of your difficulties but please ask for their help xx
so. I let my 10yr old son, whom has Autism, listen to this music. We've listened together all day to this, and he just rocked & rocked... #memories #love
This song hits home .Brings to my heart The thoughts of My frist born . My son and his Dad This is thear song I hope and pray the River become Jesus Crist The living water. He's the river that runs through every vain And can save all who ask . God bless them both With this song may it bring to them Joy to thear mind peace in there souls and Love in thear hearts .
This song is amazing. I've lived a very rough life. I finally found a wonderful woman that matched me in every way. She picked me up when I didn't want to be here anymore. She showed me a love I didn't know existed. I had her in my life for 5 months and it seems like a lifetime. She was taken from me last week. This song touches me so deeply. I happened on it idk how but love it.
A few years ago I was shown this song and then watched the video…I’m an amateur musician and this song ripped my soul open the first time I heard it..I’m a recovering addict and I’m so grateful to say that I’m still standing…even though the song may invoke sadness it’s the raw feeling that inspires me every single time I hear and sing along..thanks for making this tune happen ✝️
It makes me cry every time I listen to it and I do so every day. It rips my soul open each time. "my river" is God speaking to my heart. I'm listening God!! I'm listening!! 💞
I love this song because it reminds me of growing up with drinkers and I currently live on the river where I learned how to swim when I was only 4 years old. My Daddy threw me in the spring and told me to swim or drown. (he would not have let me drown by the way) but it taught me at 4 how to fight for my life and I am now 48 years old and am still on the same river approx. 100 yds away from that very spring. This song totally touches my heart!!!
That's why some people run towards danger-or something fearful,and others run away,those that run towards it have courage,and face the fear-or negative feelings.😊🌈🔥💦🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟
Where did my soul go? Where did my spirit hide? I just found this song and video. I’m sitting here in my secret place worshiping Jesus. I live in Alaska and the Kenai River is the place I occasionally go to listen for His voice. What a God-incidence!! I drank my earlier life away. As a Chronic alcoholic I suffered incomprehensible demoralization over a period of 20 years. There is only one thing worse then being a chronic alcoholic and that’s being a proud chronic alcoholic. I had a lot of early blessings bestowed upon me before I gave it all back. Those blessings and my successes gave me a false sense of pride that absolutely made it impossible for me to take a good honest look at myself. The people I hurt , the lies I told, the things I stole and the insane behavior I publicly displayed led me to a spot where I didn’t necessarily want to kill myself, but I did not want to live anymore. No hope. Bankrupt spiritually, emotionally and physically. Over 100 detoxes. 12 treatment centers. Psychiatric wards. My high school sweetheart and wife took our 2 beautiful children and left. Friends stopped coming by to see if I was ok. Family members were disgusted with me. The end of me had arrived. Doctors were afraid I was starting to show symptoms of wet-brain because of my behaviors. Then one day I woke up in my own vomit and feces and decided to cry out to God one more time. I had always believed in God but never really developed a relationship with him. I guess it was more out of fear of going to hell then anything else. I had no idea how much more He was offering us. I cried out “God if your listening could we end my miserable life right now OR if it’s possible help me to find the strength to overcome this? I then simply fell back down and passed out. The effects of drinking 2 half gallons of vodka nearly every day for over a year had taken its toll on my body. When I awoke I was in a very very bright room. Something was different. I wasn’t feeling sick. I wasn’t shaking. I didn’t feel nauseous. I didn’t have a headache. My heartburn had disappeared. I FELT GOOD!! It had been so long since I felt normal I had forgotten what it was supposed to feel like!! I was lying on a hospital bed. Then I simply said out loud….”God? Am I dead?” I heard an instant reply “NO.” I then said “What should I do?” The audible answer came back….. “Do the next right thing John.” Do the next right thing? The next thing I remember is passing out and then waking again back in my house and lying in vomit and feces again. I stood up and repeated what I heard. “Do the next right thing.” I found the energy to stand up. The next right thing? I hadn’t done anything right in years. After some thinking I decided the next right thing to do would be my laundry. I hadn’t done it in weeks and it was pretty bad. Then I decided to pick up my house. There was broken glass and garbage everywhere. Then I took a shower. I shaved. The next right thing….that was 14 years ago. I have never had another craving for alcohol since that day. My mind was instantly transformed by the blood of Jesus. It was 100 percent, no doubt about it…a miracle. A gift given to me by God. A gift, that to this day, I am so very thankful for. Since then my life’s journey has taken a 180 degree turn. I started to see things in color and not black and white. I felt feelings other then anger and despair. I started to awaken earlier and couldn’t wait to start my day because my life had become so darn fun. I met an absolutely amazing gorgeous Godly woman who has shown me what walking out and developing a relationship with Jesus looks like. My relationship with my 2 children became solid again. The joy they bring me is indescribable! My wife has 4 amazing daughters that bring me great joy in all they are and do. I became a Papa and love love love my grandkids so very much. What an amazing life God has blessed me with. I have to say, I certainly do not deserve it. MY best thinking and MY best attempts at life led me down a very very dark road. It wasn’t until I decided that “I can’t, He can, I think I’ll let Him” happened that any “recovery” began to happen!!! Don’t get me wrong…life is still hard. Pandemic, viruses, masks, Russia, China, false news, one world orders, etc. etc. yes, life has its difficulties. BUT the difference in my life now is that I have HOPE!!! And besides….if God is for me, who could be against me? Thank you for this song. It brought me another part of healing my heart needed. I love music for that reason right there. May God bless you all. If you’ve read this and your still struggling with something feel free to reach out. I’d love to share more of how my relationship with Jesus has transformed this drunks life and hear your story!
Powerful story ❤ enjoyed reading. My dad was an alcoholic and he loved this song.. he wanted his ashes to be put in a creek and thinking about playing this song then 🥲
Thank you for sharing, a person has to get to point where drugs don't cover the pain, then you have a Family Dr says I would rather you drink and knot so drugs. Well holly help me , I've come off every drug to remind myself of pain. But alcohol has been a demon, even went detox and they let me go into full DTS, ask for help myself for first time in my life and they act like just wait to give you something to help with pain and craziness. Well I don't know about anyone else , I told hell with you. Would give me my clothes shoes cell phone. And I can be smart ass so I told them it's ok let someone who doesn't have nothing have it , for I will and can get some more. And if your truly addict or alcoholic your a runner, and dam I was good at it. But one day God showed and I have been fighting my demons , and today I'm better person. I know I have purpose in life and I will achieve it for I am human and not IT.,,💯👍🧡🌈😇
I'm at the end of my life closer than the beginning.. Such a beautiful rendition to my musical repertoire.. To often we hang on to the wrong things in search of happiness.. Ignoring what's right in front of us... Truly love this..
This song touched my heart and soul I fought a long time after losing my wife and daughter and drowning myself wasn't the answer so I'm up on my feet still broken but on my way
I love this song so much !!!! My favorite verse I play over and over is............ Only this River can save me from my self , WHERE DID MY SOUL GO WHERE DID MY SPIRT HIDE WHY WONT THEY RESCUE ME FROM THE PAIN IN MY MIND .SO powerful and touching
This was my life, now I've been sober over 30 years. This is my utmost favorite song I was raised about 25 miles from Loch Loussa. We had a mobile home on the bank that we lived at all summer, but only could go on weekends during the school year
In case no one's told you then plz know that I am proud of you! Sobriety is much more than just stopping an addiction. Deff takes a he'll of a lot of inner workings. 30 years sober is absolutely incredible!!!!! Good job man!
It's been 34 years since I quit drugs and alcohol. This song makes me cry everytime I listen to it. I was diagnosed in March 2023 with lung cancer. I want this song played at my funeral.
That's our daughter, Tori, in the video =) JJ was not only professional with the children, but he connected and spoke to them as artists. Thanks to him,Tori wants to continue her acting/singing career, and like JJ, she wants to inspire, touch people's souls/lives with music, and put a smile on everyone's face. Thank you Mr. Grey for being a role model to many and being real!
To My Sister Abby. Her Light Shone Bright in the Heavens tonight. For all who have lost. Take solace in knowing that as long as you keep that person alive in your heart, and pass their energy along to others, well, they way I see it, that is how we all live together forever through each other. Only one way to find out.
I'm going through a really rough patch in my life right now and really needed this. God bless and may he look over me while I'm going through these trying times.
We all have issues... that sometimes music makes us feel those issues... music has a way of reaching down into our hearts and lifts up our pain and I often find comfort in that pain ... as weird as that sounds
You’re not alone. I feel the same. It’s strange to be friends with your pain. It is my soul. My only friend for many decades now. But it feeds my passion for my creativity. Music, art, other strange people I get the privilege to meet as I traverse my path. But…it’s a lonely journey. Alone. I can’t do other people. They always get lost as to who I am. But now I’m getting old, and that’s ok. Be well my soul friend. I hope your journey finds you in a safe place.
This is or was my sister's favorite song. Every time she would get drunk she would play this song and say hey it's me. I now play this song occasionally for my sister who is up in Heaven and looking down on us, you see my sister died Last year just 10 days after she turned 43 years old and I dedicate this song to her and in her memory. Crystal Ann Ely (Hylton, Earnest, Eaton) 11/07/1978-11/17/2020.
This River is the first song on my playlist of 254 songs and I play it daily if not more! I’ve got like 6 million of those 12 million views, I love it!
this song helps me. when i just want to drink till i hit the river. my river, light it up and drown it in bourbon. calm my soul. at the bottom i hold on. hold till the river lets me sleep. take me home.
It's not every day that you get to do a duet with Danny Aiello. Anyway, this is such a raw and powerful song, that reaches every sinew in my body. It's storytelling at its best.
This is my FIRST time hearing of this dude and we were raised on classic rock. I feel so cheated. I let my niece hear it and she said "Oh my God, I just need him to sing one song to me and the rest of my life will be okay." I thought wow, now THAT'S a fitting description for what this MUSIC does to you. Absolutely remarkable.
So instead of running wide ass open all of our lives how bout slowing down and walking...take a little time to enjoy life and love those God puts into our lives...we will all die at the end of our lives so slow down and enjoy the beauty in and of life that God has given us
I talked to God and I ask him to forgive me for my sins wich I try to learn from just like every one else I forgive people and let it all go. I thought we were all created equal and if we asked for forgiveness and worked on our selves no one was supposed to judge. Use that means each and every person. At least that's what I believe.
I was born an raised a stones throw from the Brazos River, and I've spent almost everyday of my life on it. As a child, it was my happy place where reality gave way to a beautiful, and amazing world where my imagination ran wild. From about the age of 8, am still to this day, my twin brother and I are still commonly referred to as "The River Rats." Every single "first" that a young man has, kiss, joint, beer, fight, etc, happened to me either under the bridge, in the woods, or right in the salty, red water that runs through my veins. It has, and always will be my sanctuary. A few years ago, I fukd off everything that was good in my life, my 4 children, wife, job, house, EVERYTHING. No excuses, and no real reason I can think of other than I guess that's how it goes sometimes. The only place I had to go was My River. The only relief my mind ever feels is when my feet are in the water, and my lips are on a bottle. I can still hear the sounds of my children chasing each other in the sand where I now shed so many tears that they wash out the sand, and roll right off into the water, where I fell in love under the light of the moon that seemed to shine from her wet, unclothed body as she beckoned me to make her mine. Yeah, this one hit me so deep, I will never be the same. Don't lose what you already have because of foolish pride.
@Caleb King wow man I 100% know that exact pain. Its will strip u to ur bare minimum. Our souls will repairs themselves we just have to open our minds and hearts to it then the recovery process will take place. It will be painful i know first hand but its worth it. U gotta go thru it to grow thru it. Mind heart & soul.. I prayed daily for understanding and guidance and my faith and heart has strengthened and now i have come into my final chapter in my life and into my true womanhood and only wit God's grace. Im still well on my way to who I'm meant to be and the reward is going to be glorious. And know that no matter what, not one person or thing can ever fuck wit a child's love for its parents. It dont matter what you do, really, or what their told their love is everlasting and no matter how long ur absent from them they will always come back to u. One day. They will. Ill pray for ur healing. ✌ out man!!
Man how is this group not more popular. I've listened to a few of their songs and its pretty damn good stuff. Damn sure better than that crap played on today's mainstream radio stations
Playing music has always comforted me. Been my great escape . I miss playing to losing my heart and soul. The emotion and feelings hit hard. Great toon JJGREY.
"Where did my soul go? Where did my spirit hide? Why won't they rescue me from the pain in my mind?" 61 yrs. now and I'm still asking. I can definitely relate.
I'm so sorry. 😪
Scooter, for what it might be worth, you are definitely NOT alone. 58 now, and I'm still wondering, WTF!!?
I quote that daily
My god. I feel that.
I feel it everyday . 62 years old now and still can’t find my way to peace .
God Bless you all . I hope I wake up tomorrow .
This is one of those bands, that when you find them you wonder, how the hell did I miss this.
Yep, I found them 2 weeks ago
Yes! This man speaks to my soul.
amen ... well said ... found just yesterday ...
Amen.
Amen
This is one of the most haunting songs I have ever heard. I am not sure how this song is supposed to be interpreted but this is how I choose to see it. ( Lord, please help those who are suffering from addictions, depression, hopelessness, or anything that is keeping them from You. Lead them to the river of life that flows from the throne. Jesus, You are the source of that river. Those who accept You will see God in His glory. They will live because they are forgiven and made holy through Your death and resurrection. I ask You Heavenly Father, please touch their hearts and help them to understand the urgency and the importance of a relationship with You. I pray that each and everyone will embrace Your love and accept the plan of salvation. I ask this in Your Holy name. Amen.
Thank you for this prayer. I wrote it down and will pray it everyday. I realize you wrote this a year ago but wanted you to know that it made it's way to me exactly when I needed and it. Thank you
Ty. I am a tortured soul. Ty 4 your prayers
Amen
To the lady who prayed this prayers for those, such as MYSELF AND ALL THE OTHER ADDICTS, WHO'S SUFFERING FROM THEIR DEMONS....
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYER. I LISTEN TO THIS SONG EVERYDAY AND I KNOW WHAT THE SONG IS ABOUT. YET I STILL CAN NEVER FIND THE RIGHT WORDS TO PRAY FOR MY STRUGGLES AND OTHERS AS WELL. YOU WORDED IT PERFECTLY, FOR ME TO SAY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM PRAYING FOR. I KNOW IN MY HEART. BUT CANT FIND THE RIGHT WORDS. ALSO THANK GOD FOR YOU AND J J MOFO FOR WRITING THIS SONG. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
Below is an excerpt from an interview with JJ about the song and it's lyrics. Apparently it's somewhat of a lost meaning if you can believe that. As deeply moving as the song is JJ didn't really nail down definitions but did manage to weakly define at least the major part of his inspiration.
"He was just drunk [A guy fishing near Jacksonville Fla] and looked like somebody who’d lost everything. He had that look homeless people sometimes have. I didn’t talk to the guy, I just saw him. We didn’t have to talk. It just seemed like that was his story. For all I know, he was happy as a lark. "At any rate, watching him hit home. And the song is just about reflection and what really is real. He’s kind of asking those questions. I’ve been that dude before, but to a lesser extent. I’ve never lost everything.
“I guess the idea is - and I didn’t intend this - how bad your life is depends on how bad you want it to be or how good you want it to be"
The producers of the video are responsible for the choreography and the "message" that's being attempted is JJ taking a walk by the river to clear his thoughts following a harsh confrontation with his wife. He meets his older unchanged self on the banks of the river (Danny Aeillo) and sees what his emotional state will be if he doesn't get his shit together.
The song describes my life since 2009, I lost my daughter then, I lost my world, then lost my mom and dad in 2014 and 16, and lost my husband many years ago the first time, when he strayed, it was my first broken heart😢, and now I've lost him for good, he passed away in 22, it's hard, I'm sober, and I have cirrhosis, the song touches my soul like no other, love you JJ 🫶✌️🥹, my spirit heart and everything else, went to heaven with my daughter, have not been living, only existing 🙏
I'm sorry for all your loss. I'm going thru my own pain as well. I cry every time I hear it.
@porterlydia thank you and my prayers are with you🫶🙏✌️
Sitting here at 68, drinking black coffee tears flowing down my cheeks. So many have passed so suddenly, that its overwhelmed my senses. My lil baby brother is a box of ashes in my kitchen, he passed away 09/20/2023 in my home. Drugs and Alcohol, sad situations through out his life killed him... Thanks for giving me space for grace.
67 myself , lived 4 years pm the Ogeechee River In south Georgia . I also have a little water leaking from my eyes. I still live a primitive lifestyle (by choice) although I moved up from tents to a camper. It seems possible that I have learned a couple things. The one want to share with you is there is no death as we perceive it. You know when these cell phones get 10% they have to be charged up...same . Seems we live but with less energy until we charged up. Sound familiar ? I'm no bible thumber but I'm familiar..Luke 14:21 quotes Jeus" Whosoever believes in me (his teachings) even tho he dies , yet shall he live..it is also what I have been taught...We could possibly ne recharging at this time. I tell people often the opposite if what we are told seems to be the truth .
👍🙏@@RickieGunter-dw9xn
Sending you love frank. Diagnosed bipolar two months ago at 54. Finding out why I took all of the wrong roads in life.
I'm going to pay for you and all of us men that have been beat down by life.
Good bless Frank!!
So very sorry for your loss 😢
My little brother who adored me, and vice versa, died in my arms at 49….He could never kick the meth, not even prison could make him stop…since he was 17yo…I called him 2 weeks before his death, to beg him to stop, that final a fatal shot can be the end of you…I was crying,begging…2 weeks later, he died in my arms after I unhooked his ventilator…I cried for ten solid months, even tho I am RN, it’s hard to watch your family member die…I had to let him go, he was unrecoverable…I bore the brunt of his care, so my poor Mother did not have to make the decisions..I miss him, he sends me feathers all the time…the only person he ever hurt was himself, and that tears me to pieces…😭😭😭💔💔💔
My mom plays this religiously and got me hooked too
You really should lesson to your mother because she knows the way home
I lost my 28yo son this past June, I drink to dull the pain! I truly believe a spirit lead me to this music. I feel these lyrics deep in my soul.The power, emotion and soul in his voice is stunning.
❤️
I lost my 29yr old son last September, I'm so sorry for your pain I can definitely empathize!! He was my second child I found dead. This song touches me as utterly deep as possible! I'm from New Hampshire and this song came on a few yrs ago and had literally moved me in my core! Since then I have fallen in love with JJ grey and mofro and love all his music! And the stories behind it!
I hope you both reach out and find people to help you deal with your grief. Please don't suffer in silence there are others facing the same demons you are. It is such a relief to not have to face it alone.
Horrible how many of us have lost our babies before they had a chance to figure life out. I lost my daughter when she was exactly 26½ yrs old. I despise the greedy people who thought handing out opiods like candy was a good idea. How they sleep at night I'll never know. I do know my daughter is not hurting anymore. She's no longer asking me why this happened to her or why she has to be like this. She didn't seek out drugs. She wasn't unloved. We went to reputable doctors for help for painful female issues. Never in my life did I believe these people would give a barely 18 yr old the amount of pain meds they prescribed to her over & over. I literally went broke paying other professionals to help my child. I didn't care about money. I didn't care about my home. I wanted my child to be ok. For 6 months I had her back, one slip ended it all. I get through everyday bc I know she knew I loved her with every ounce of my being. She was and will always be the biggest love of my life🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
@@numbernine3436 I'm so sorry!
It's 2024 and i have just found this song. As i listened while reading many comments of loneliness, pain,heartache and perseverance i was truly touched. 😢
You are never alone. Spirit is with you. We are too.
Stage 4 cancer... I live every day to the fullest.. my wife is the reason I push on.. I gladly will float down any river ..she is my reason ...what a song..
I hope w all of my heart that you and she are still together and joyful.
This river flows through you
And I would like to inform you of something me and you and everyone we are the children of the father the father of all things and like are father you are very very very powerful like are father
Lessons to the world
I pray you're still here. I just found out I have stage 2 cancer.
Whether sober or not. This song saves . Blessings to everyone who listens. YOu are not alone.
I just found this song few days ago and it pulls me .
Thank you ❤
Again at 71 yrs old and a nam vet.....still brings a tear to my eye
Thank you for your service . I know you wasn't welcome home. Damn politics suck.
This song hits home, 407 days sober, thank you Jesus for saving me.
Amen, brother! 🙏🏻
Don't sell yourself short. You may have saved yourself.
Amen
Just one day at a time- What a Great Gift from The HIGHEST of POWERS= GOD-!!!
Keep up the good fight brother!!! You are not alone!!! Give yourself credit for having the courage to fix your problem!!! Thos along may have been the motivation to start but it was YOU who followed through each day!!! May God truly bless your life and future journey!!!
"Where did my soul go? Where did my spirit hide? Why wont they rescue me from the pain in my mind"
These words are like bullets! Amazing lyrics❤
To me this song is a spiritual angel pulling me out of the pits of hell, puting words in this song made me realize l am live again. Amen
I just can't stop listening to this song. The words hit my heart like a ton of bricks. Over and Over I listen...
I deeply feel every word of this song , it touches my very soul and most of the time I end up bawling like a lil' cry baby bitch ..
My favorite lyrics
@@boydbible7983right on soul bro
I love coming back to this song and reading the comments, about how this song has touched so many and how it continues to find broken people. I don't know if JJ is a religious person, but this song sure connects deeply with anyone who is as well as the ones that aren't.
Right! I do the same thing.
Yes it touches in mny ways. Cry everytime i listen.
@Michelle Cantrell have you checked out any of the live videos of JJ doing it solo? Man oh man, those ones hit the soul too.
Me too!
I listen to this song several times a day. I cry everytime I hear it. 5:24
I lived this,and now I am walking a much better divine path. But only by GODs grace. The river is my way.
Amen
Ditto❤
This is a awesome song for sure I love it very much my Dad,was a drinker for years and a mean one when drinking we have all had bad times in our lives!🌟
I lost my wife and daughters 19 years ago. Some minutes are ok. Some are anything but. I was working the other day and this song came on my Spotify. I stayed there and looked like I was working, but the tears rolled down my face just as thick as they ever have. Sometimes I feel like I've been hurting longer than I've been alive. It's a heavy cross and never gets lighter. This song breaks me everytime. Time does not heal all wounds. Trust me.
Your exactly the person someone has been looking for. Someone out there needs your love. And your still here so that means you've got more to give, and even more to receive. I hope you find them.
Lost my so about1 year ago. Pain never leaves we just try to live thru it. God bless.
@garydergut4741 - The weight never gets lighter. You just need to get stronger so it feels lighter. 👍
I can't pretend to know the pain you feel everyday, when you find a song that brings you to tears I think it's important to enjoy that few moments and smile for the ones you've lost. I think your tears tell them how much you Love and miss them, and your smile tells them that you know they are with you everyday. God bless you
No time doesn't heal wounds of the heart. My Johnny Angel and grandchild both passed within a month. I've lost both parents and 2 sisters within the last 3 yrs. I know more dead people than live ones. Everyone is so busy and all I can do is remember my past. I don't see much of a future and I'm 61. God Jesus and Johnny get me through each day. RD
“Warm in their houses while I face my cold alone”
Unbelievable emotion right there...
Thank you JJ
Its such a lyric that most people wouldn't even get it. Most folks are too blind , sadly, they don't even know what hes talking about.
I've never really paid attention to the words.. wow.. chills!
@@raulduke2nd161 why does the river play such a big part in the song? I respectfully ask.
@@raulduke2nd161 why is it the river that only can save him?
@@missinichols5092 life. Jesus is the living water 💧
Alone in a crowd. Drowning my pain and yet smile like a clown in a circus. Every loss with every year adds to the pain that never ends. This song makes me feel that I'm not alone.
Believe me your NOT alone the human condition leaves us to suffer so so much unknown , unseen ,unspoken missery .... WE ALL SUFFER THIS SOLELY , rarely seen or shared . Just know that it is part of the personal judgements we pass on ourselves . Give it to the creator , let it flow away , know WE ARE JUST US and he will carry it all away .
@@cindyfreeman6361 so true.
Your not bro. I just lost my wife on Sept. 4th. This I year unexpected cancer so n sgr r ssive from diagnosis to death was a bout 3 weeks . Get out of the funk and get to living.
Your never alone.
@@galenzetzsche so sorry my friend . Pain can kill the living.
One of the most honest, beautiful songs that I have ever heard. So, so true.
I have been sober for twenty seven years I still wake up every morning and tell myself that I am a alcoholic. When I first heard this song I broke out in tears it speaks volumes and will always be my go too song in times of need Thank you
Amen. I'm with you.
I hear ya, I've too been sober for 22 years, well, not all at once, but altogether out of 62 years
I feel you
Honey, we are the stories we tell ourselves. 27 years. Write a new chapter every morning and close that one. 🙏
Been out of rehab 273 day and sober , listening to this song o the way to work, struggling today .. my wife said last night she doesn’t know if she can handle me anymore! I’m soo broken, but I’m trying
Why won't they save me, from this pain, in my mind. Only this river. .🦋
Captured my whole life in a song. 74 year old fool and i wanted to thank you for this song...
Beautiful.
Hang tuff brother...by the grace of God you will until He figures you're ready. Blessings.
I just found this song and I can't stop listening to it. I feel it down to my soul healing some of the broken pieces. Thank you!
Sometimes life can be so painful that it stimulates your heart and forces it to beat again and in that moment healing can start to begin. Bless you my friend and know that others care.
That is exactly how I feel. I feel this song deep down in my soul touching me, refreshing me, healing me. I could listen to it over and over and over and never get tired of it. I love this song. ❤
Amen
I listen to this song everyday it opens old painfully wounds I cry and heal at the same time life is tough and cruel 💔 but we will get through it won't we.
@@darylmckeag3851 Yes we will get through with friends,family and faith. Don't forget my friend we are your family too. Peace be with you xx
This song has touched me so deeply I cry every time I hear it ...you see I'm homeless and I live on the truck river.. it was me and my mom .. got evicted be cause of the covid ... she had a stroke because of it... she was an officer's wife my dad passed away sometime back three-time tour Vietnam vet you didn't deserve to be homeless so if it's okay I'd like to dedicate that song to her I love you Mom and I miss you very much
The older I get, the more I lose. Lost my mom(my BEST FRIEND) 3 years ago. Right or wrong she was the ONLY ONE who ALWAYS had my back. I took am now homeless. Counting on the kindness of others. This world will bring you to your knees baby. I heard a saying once... God didn't say it was gonna be easy, He said it was gonna be worth it. But how can that be when you don't have the strength to get on your feet again to claw your way to the happiness , especially when you can't even see it ahead ? Is it ? Is it "worth it" ? I've been living in this hell with no way out for 3 years now. I'd GLADLY trade my life for someone who wants it. No need to take a # I'm sure. Try and hang in there as long as you can. Maybe you will make a difference in someone's life and it will be " worth it". I'll be praying for you. ❤️🙏
.I'm don't let them lock me away imsgaking
a
I miss him so bad
@@laurakupisz4673 I know what your saying. How is it worth it in the end, when you can't see the light? I too am homeless because of drugs and alcohol. The most important thing I lost is myself. I'm living with family and the shelter but it gets hard, hard on my family because they want the best for me. I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. I'm struggling with keeping my head. Praying used to help now, nothing. Everything is dark. I'll say a prayer for you and for everyone who is struggling. Stay young and live free my friends
Your mom wants you to live!! And understand she loves you!!! She carried you. That wasn’t easy!!! Live and feel her LOVE
Can’t get thru this without tears for my comrades in arms. Post mission down time the worst. After leaving service, not having your brothers around unbearable ... thanks JJ and Mo - keep me thinking and pushing forward.
Thanks for your service sir
Thank you for your service. Men like you keep the world safe. Love to you from IRELAND.
❤️💛
Thank you James for your service.
Oceans
44 years old thought I was a badass heard this and broke me down thanks for opening my eyes
Sabine River Rat Girl...
I’m 66 and did the same for me. I have to listen to it everyday.
Me too sir. I allways made it on my own this was tuff
Im 44 and feel the same way. This song floored me.
I can relate I'm 61 and I cried like a baby hearing this it brought up so much in my mind. Peace my friend
This "Cat" has one of the best voices I've heard in a long, long time.
this song is powerful and speaks to so many who struggle with addiction, sadness, anxiety, depression, mental illness, any struggle you can imagine. it's OK to be sad, is OK to be angry, it's OK to be confused. and it's always OK to be thankful and apologize if necessary. courage.
But the question remains unanswered. "What do I do? Where can I go? Where, if anywhere (knowing full and well that there is NO answer) can I find peace??? I'ts OK to be angry and all the rest that you mentioned. but at the end of the day as it were, how do I carry on with life...the weight...the anger....the confusion.....the sadness......the endlessness and being misunderstood for feeling...just, feeling too much...
Time just don't care. Then, there you sit. Older. Perhaps wiser. But despite that, alone. Wondering what happened and how did I get here? With no answer, you start at the beginning. "what do I do?", "where can I go?"...an endless defeating circle that consumes hope and will...
Hope and will.... The courage to try and forge ahead with others or go it alone. I truly believe some people are meant to go through these twisted paths alone with their struggles and come out stronger
Craig Ketola oo
mash1551
tried that once
MrBeaubondservant I feel you. tried that once to.
This was played at my husbands funeral also.. Played for him in hospice. His fight with cancer was soon over.. February 15, 1960 - February 22, 2015..RIP Bart Daniel.. I love you
Its like this song was wrote about him
Elizabeth Daniel Heartbreaking. My condolences.
david cunningham Thank You.. Loved listening to JJ Grey.. I still go to grave site and play JJ Grey everyday... Have my coffee in the morning there playing it and every evening listening to it with him...
Elizabeth Daniel Deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband. This separation is only temporary
Thank you C Fralick... He liked JJ Grey..
I'm a 14 year old girl and most of my life my mother was on drugs, this song hits home. When I listen to this song I can feel the pain that she went through. God bless you all! ❤
UPDATE: Thank you all for the replies, if not for you I don't know if I could have truly forgiven her. I'm 15 now and my relationship with my mother is great. She's been clean 4 years now. ❤
My heart goes out to you
Everyone who chooses to use a drug for the first time does it for the very same reason. To feel something good. It makes no difference if they have a reason to feel bad most people don't use the first time to simply remedy a bad feeling. Everyone wants to feel something good no matter how good they feel already! The first time anyone uses is always the idea that it'll make them feel something really good, from an outside source that's felt instantly. In most cases it works. It does exactly what they expected it to do and often a whole lot better.
When the effect is gone, the desire to feel it again is why they use again. They know it worked the first time and what's wrong with feeling good? Our culture tells us what's wrong with it. But it goes well beyond that and it tells us we should feel bad. It tells us we are weak, and irresponsible. It locks us up like killers and thieves. It's tells us and tells our children that anyone who uses drugs just once is a criminal. A loser. A damaged person who will never have a good job or be a good parent or go to college or be trusted if they've used drugs even ONCE.
What keeps anyone from using it again if it not only feels really good, you're already doomed anyway and that's a bad feeling the drugs will take away!
It's called a disease and it is, but it's not a social disease that makes you a loser for life. So many young people believe that, and have no reason to say no after the very first time.
Chasing that feeling produced the first time combined with the idea that your branded forever is a very powerful feeling. Like nothing else.
But the reason people do it changes and they don't pay attention to that change because it doesn't matter. The drug will feel good.
But it doesn't feel the same. It stops feeling good and just keeps you from feeling bad.
And it gets worse Every time you don't use, and every time you do you adapt physically and mentally to expect it to.
Your body suffers the toxic effect and the change in diet, activity and how you heal.
Its more bad to fix. The drug will fix it. Addiction is the inability to say no, to something you believe feels good, but is only keeping you from feeling the bad you hadn't felt the first time you used it. Addiction is your body telling your brain that even the risk of death doesn't matter, you'd rather die than feel what you feel without the drug. And even when you know it's the drug that's making you feel that way, you know it's the only thing that will make you NOT feel that way right NOW.
I hope this helps you understand how powerful the addiction is. It's a fact that it's NOT a social disease that goes away the moment you decide not to use. It's a physical disease and it's called disease because biologists found a chemical difference in people who are addicts and alcoholics and people who are not. Then they found the same chemical difference in people who have never used or drank in their lifetime. This is the first component of disease. The second component is the impact of the action. The disease has no impact if no drugs or alcohol is used. When either is used the disease presents the symptomatic stage, the toxic impact on the body and mind. It gets worse and worse until it kills you. And it will. It does, and that's the only "cure" for the disease. The only other way to prevent the onset and symptoms and death is to take the drug away from the addict or the addict away from the drug.
Or treat them medically and mentally and support the withdrawals with medicine and food. Change the behaviors that caused the use. Offer ongoing support to continue avoiding the symptomatic agent of the deadly disease with only one cure.
Death.
I hope your mom is clean. Forgive her if she is and tell her you understand why it happened and why it was so hard to say no and stop. Tell her you know things about addiction and alcohol that most kids your age don't, and you have good reasons not to use. Let your mom know it's what you learned after she stopped. And seeing her pain and struggle and understanding it now that you don't want to feel that way. Tell her she's a strong brave woman for getting through it. And you're proud and happy that she doesn't live in that hell anymore.
And if she hasn't quit yet, tell her those are all the things you WANT to say to her. Before you can't, when the drugs cure the disease.
And tell her there are other addicts who don't have loving children like she does, who've somehow gotten through it and lived.
People like me.
When it's all added up and mixed in together, I guess you can say I did it for you. If your mom is gone in whatever way that word applies, I'm sorry.
Don't test the waters you know will pull you under. But if you screw up and use once, remember this. The next time you use could kill you. Every time you use COULD kill you. Until it does kill you. Because it will. Could is a fools word.
Would you keep geting on a plane you know WILL kill you?
"Could" means nothing to anyone until it does.
Don't let "could" tempt you no matter how many times it didn't. You know two things for sure. It will if you use. It won't if you don't. And more often than not, a child of an addict or alcoholic is an addict or alcoholic.
China has had drugs and alcohol in their culture for 3000 years. Yet less than 1% of the population is an addict or alcoholic.
Native Americans first had alcohol and drugs 200 years ago when european settlers arrived. But it's estimated that 89% have the disease active or inactive.
What's that mean?
China proves the disease will kill everyone who has it before it goes away.
It's close.
Natives not so close.
If 89% of the native population dies, the culture would disappear.
Peace.
@@dougg5707 well spoken my friend..
Much love to you and I pray and wish in case you don't pray for your future to be happy
Hi Jada i hope you have good people around you to take care of you and your mother but try to stay strong my heart hurts for you so young to have all this pain i will pray that you will come through all this trauma and light will shine on you and the future will be blessed please stay strong and try to study with your school work not sure if your teachers know of your difficulties but please ask for their help xx
There aint a damn thing grey about you sir this song always saves me from myself
so. I let my 10yr old son, whom has Autism, listen to this music. We've listened together all day to this, and he just rocked & rocked... #memories #love
Much love to you and your beautiful son
Love is so awesome.
This song hits home .Brings to my heart The thoughts of My frist born .
My son
and his Dad
This is thear song
I hope and pray the River become Jesus Crist
The living water.
He's the river that runs through every vain
And can save all who ask .
God bless them both
With this song may it bring to them
Joy to thear mind
peace in there souls
and Love in thear hearts .
@@motaan2056 Amen.
Your story floored me! God bless you and your son
This song is amazing. I've lived a very rough life. I finally found a wonderful woman that matched me in every way. She picked me up when I didn't want to be here anymore. She showed me a love I didn't know existed. I had her in my life for 5 months and it seems like a lifetime. She was taken from me last week. This song touches me so deeply. I happened on it idk how but love it.
W h o is she
Me 2 mine
So sorry for your loss. May she Rest Gently.
Oh my that is heartbreaking. Life is so cruel at times. I pray you find love again.
Paul Whitt...God bless you. 🙏🙏💚✌you are loved. 💚💚💚💚💚
A few years ago I was shown this song and then watched the video…I’m an amateur musician and this song ripped my soul open the first time I heard it..I’m a recovering addict and I’m so grateful to say that I’m still standing…even though the song may invoke sadness it’s the raw feeling that inspires me every single time I hear and sing along..thanks for making this tune happen ✝️
Bro me too! Trying to forgive generations of addicts before in my family really taught me to forgive myself. I’m proud of you man. We do recover.
So powerful!
It has a healing message!
JJ Grey this is absolutely beautiful, thank you❤❤❤
It makes me cry every time I listen to it and I do so every day. It rips my soul open each time. "my river" is God speaking to my heart. I'm listening God!! I'm listening!! 💞
I love this song because it reminds me of growing up with drinkers and I currently live on the river where I learned how to swim when I was only 4 years old. My Daddy threw me in the spring and told me to swim or drown. (he would not have let me drown by the way) but it taught me at 4 how to fight for my life and I am now 48 years old and am still on the same river approx. 100 yds away from that very spring. This song totally touches my heart!!!
I was taught the same way by my graddaddy- he wouldn't have let me drown either- but it shows us we can save ourselves! 🤟❤️
You sound just like me, as I had the same life... I'm 48... God Bless. This song brings me to my knees.....
God Bless you for sharing your testimony, for better words Sharing a piece of your heart.. It touched me.. right to mine.. ❤
To see Danny in this video so soon after his passing, makes it special, He was a great actor
TRULY ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED INCREDIBLE ARTISTS OF ALL TIME!!!!!
Ryan Bindrup either that or he has one of the worst managers of all time for not taking jj to the top of the charts
Totally agree sir
That's why some people run towards danger-or something fearful,and others run away,those that run towards it have courage,and face the fear-or negative feelings.😊🌈🔥💦🌟✨🌟✨🌟✨🌟
100%
You nailed it, this guy should have the recognition he deserves. This is real life!
Where did my soul go? Where did my spirit hide?
I just found this song and video. I’m sitting here in my secret place worshiping Jesus. I live in Alaska and the Kenai River is the place I occasionally go to listen for His voice. What a God-incidence!!
I drank my earlier life away. As a Chronic alcoholic I suffered incomprehensible demoralization over a period of 20 years. There is only one thing worse then being a chronic alcoholic and that’s being a proud chronic alcoholic. I had a lot of early blessings bestowed upon me before I gave it all back. Those blessings and my successes gave me a false sense of pride that absolutely made it impossible for me to take a good honest look at myself.
The people I hurt , the lies I told, the things I stole and the insane behavior I publicly displayed led me to a spot where I didn’t necessarily want to kill myself, but I did not want to live anymore. No hope. Bankrupt spiritually, emotionally and physically. Over 100 detoxes. 12 treatment centers. Psychiatric wards. My high school sweetheart and wife took our 2 beautiful children and left. Friends stopped coming by to see if I was ok. Family members were disgusted with me. The end of me had arrived. Doctors were afraid I was starting to show symptoms of wet-brain because of my behaviors.
Then one day I woke up in my own vomit and feces and decided to cry out to God one more time. I had always believed in God but never really developed a relationship with him. I guess it was more out of fear of going to hell then anything else. I had no idea how much more He was offering us. I cried out “God if your listening could we end my miserable life right now OR if it’s possible help me to find the strength to overcome this? I then simply fell back down and passed out. The effects of drinking 2 half gallons of vodka nearly every day for over a year had taken its toll on my body.
When I awoke I was in a very very bright room. Something was different. I wasn’t feeling sick. I wasn’t shaking. I didn’t feel nauseous. I didn’t have a headache. My heartburn had disappeared. I FELT GOOD!! It had been so long since I felt normal I had forgotten what it was supposed to feel like!! I was lying on a hospital bed. Then I simply said out loud….”God? Am I dead?” I heard an instant reply “NO.” I then said “What should I do?” The audible answer came back…..
“Do the next right thing John.” Do the next right thing? The next thing I remember is passing out and then waking again back in my house and lying in vomit and feces again. I stood up and repeated what I heard. “Do the next right thing.”
I found the energy to stand up. The next right thing? I hadn’t done anything right in years. After some thinking I decided the next right thing to do would be my laundry. I hadn’t done it in weeks and it was pretty bad. Then I decided to pick up my house. There was broken glass and garbage everywhere. Then I took a shower. I shaved. The next right thing….that was 14 years ago. I have never had another craving for alcohol since that day. My mind was instantly transformed by the blood of Jesus. It was 100 percent, no doubt about it…a miracle. A gift given to me by God. A gift, that to this day, I am so very thankful for.
Since then my life’s journey has taken a 180 degree turn. I started to see things in color and not black and white. I felt feelings other then anger and despair. I started to awaken earlier and couldn’t wait to start my day because my life had become so darn fun. I met an absolutely amazing gorgeous Godly woman who has shown me what walking out and developing a relationship with Jesus looks like. My relationship with my 2 children became solid again. The joy they bring me is indescribable! My wife has 4 amazing daughters that bring me great joy in all they are and do. I became a Papa and love love love my grandkids so very much. What an amazing life God has blessed me with. I have to say, I certainly do not deserve it. MY best thinking and MY best attempts at life led me down a very very dark road. It wasn’t until I decided that “I can’t, He can, I think I’ll let Him” happened that any “recovery” began to happen!!!
Don’t get me wrong…life is still hard. Pandemic, viruses, masks, Russia, China, false news, one world orders, etc. etc. yes, life has its difficulties. BUT the difference in my life now is that I have HOPE!!! And besides….if God is for me, who could be against me?
Thank you for this song. It brought me another part of healing my heart needed. I love music for that reason right there.
May God bless you all. If you’ve read this and your still struggling with something feel free to reach out. I’d love to share more of how my relationship with Jesus has transformed this drunks life and hear your story!
Powerful story ❤ enjoyed reading. My dad was an alcoholic and he loved this song.. he wanted his ashes to be put in a creek and thinking about playing this song then 🥲
Thank you for sharing, a person has to get to point where drugs don't cover the pain, then you have a Family Dr says I would rather you drink and knot so drugs. Well holly help me , I've come off every drug to remind myself of pain. But alcohol has been a demon, even went detox and they let me go into full DTS, ask for help myself for first time in my life and they act like just wait to give you something to help with pain and craziness. Well I don't know about anyone else , I told hell with you. Would give me my clothes shoes cell phone. And I can be smart ass so I told them it's ok let someone who doesn't have nothing have it , for I will and can get some more. And if your truly addict or alcoholic your a runner, and dam I was good at it. But one day God showed and I have been fighting my demons , and today I'm better person. I know I have purpose in life and I will achieve it for I am human and not IT.,,💯👍🧡🌈😇
Thank you for this read.
Thank you for sharing your amazing testimony. Inspiring
Im still listening to this song 3 an 4 times a day. ❤
I'm at the end of my life closer than the beginning.. Such a beautiful rendition to my musical repertoire.. To often we hang on to the wrong things in search of happiness.. Ignoring what's right in front of us... Truly love this..
❤
You didn't know the beginning.
You don't even know the end
JJ spiritual
PROBABLY THE BEST SONG EVER, SO EMOTIONAL IT BRINGS TEARS TO MY OLD EYES, JUST FLAT OUT FUCKIN SUPERB. R.I.P DANNY , WE LOVED YOU
Agree
He’s was a awesome actor
I love this song also. (Check out Even Though I'm Gone by Chester See)
No addiction. But dear God.... when I try to find purpose in my life, a reason to be here. I can't. Every day is a struggle. This song I feel deep.
Baby you aint alone, im tired of walking in the dark
@@ShawnCramer-mn7pv 🥹 sad isn’t it
@@cindyandsuziq yes, I thought I could do it but letting go is so hard, I'm scared I can't, I'm just so tired😪
This song touched my heart and soul I fought a long time after losing my wife and daughter and drowning myself wasn't the answer so I'm up on my feet still broken but on my way
This is not a song you want to get drunk and listen to. It will trigger that which you've always tried to hide.......pain.
At 70 years old I couldn’t understand why people want to get drunk anyway or smoke but that’s why I am the oddball
This River, a beautiful place to drink and be alone.
I love this song so much !!!! My favorite verse I play over and over is............
Only this River can save me from my self , WHERE DID MY SOUL GO WHERE DID MY SPIRT HIDE WHY WONT THEY RESCUE ME FROM THE PAIN IN MY MIND .SO powerful and touching
strikes a nerve every time.
Amen Brother Amen!!¡¡
It's Also my favorite
Yep
Just discovered this song in 2024.. I'm putting in this song for a sobriety retreat I attend.
Hello
It seems like everything nowadays that I listen to and love I would love to share this with all of my friends and loved ones😊😊😊😊😊❤❤ 1:20 ❤ 1:23 1:24
This means you❤
Beautiful! And you are Beautiful! I have struggled with depression my whole life and still fighting it..thank you❤
This was my life, now I've been sober over 30 years. This is my utmost favorite song I was raised about 25 miles from Loch Loussa. We had a mobile home on the bank that we lived at all summer, but only could go on weekends during the school year
In case no one's told you then plz know that I am proud of you! Sobriety is much more than just stopping an addiction. Deff takes a he'll of a lot of inner workings. 30 years sober is absolutely incredible!!!!! Good job man!
It's been 34 years since I quit drugs and alcohol. This song makes me cry everytime I listen to it. I was diagnosed in March 2023 with lung cancer. I want this song played at my funeral.
I think this applies to depression as well. this song is amazing.
Cried From first note to the last. I hit so close to home. Your words will always be there in my heart
This is the most veteran song I've ever heard. This describes exactly what I've had in my mind for years now. Thank you for this.
Need to talk
I'm 68 years old and I can't believe I have never heard this band till earlier this year this song is just unbelievable! I love it
Highly recommend you catch a show if they're evdr in your area... incrredible artists!!
Same, I am also 68, this touched me so deeply. I am a digital artist. I am going to create a series inspired by this song and video.
One of the best songs ever written/produced.
I love Danny as an actor and as a human being.
R.I.P. You're loved.
Have you seen/heard Danny's version of the song? If not look it up.
This song makes tears come to my eyes! Reminds me of a special person that was in my life!!
That's our daughter, Tori, in the video =) JJ was not only professional with the children, but he connected and spoke to them as artists. Thanks to him,Tori wants to continue her acting/singing career, and like JJ, she wants to inspire, touch people's souls/lives with music, and put a smile on everyone's face. Thank you Mr. Grey for being a role model to many and being real!
mrsBV2002 Wow, I honestly thought that was his daughter because of the resemblence. Congrats, she did great!
Jessica Love ...Thank you for the compliment :)
That's wonderful mrsBV2002, it makes me like and respect him even more! Best of luck to your daughter as she follows her dream!
thank you for the back story. ppl that are nice to children, animals, old ppl, handicap are beloved by our creator.
Thats awesome! Where was this video recorded? It resembles Jennings State Forrest
To My Sister Abby. Her Light Shone Bright in the Heavens tonight.
For all who have lost. Take solace in knowing that as long as you keep that person alive in your heart, and pass their energy along to others, well, they way I see it, that is how we all live together forever through each other. Only one way to find out.
In our hearts!
Sound's about right ❤
I lost my sister a few years ago. I still feel that emptiness every day. I think even the heaven wept that day.
I'm going through a really rough patch in my life right now and really needed this. God bless and may he look over me while I'm going through these trying times.
Just read your comment and I pray that you're doing ok
Prayers in Jesus name amen 🙏
Jesus said he would never leave r forsake us praying
Stay up Brother. Don't let it beat you down. Life is beautiful ,find the beauty in it. Don't let the ugliness overshadow the great things.
hope and praying you are doing better now- 🤟
My best friend took his life 2 days i never new i could cry so much. X il really miss u mocara!!!
I'm not a Veteran but I also suffer from PTSD. I lived under a bridge by a River and this song saved me!
We all have issues... that sometimes music makes us feel those issues... music has a way of reaching down into our hearts and lifts up our pain and I often find comfort in that pain ... as weird as that sounds
You’re not alone. I feel the same.
It’s strange to be friends with your pain.
It is my soul. My only friend for many decades now. But it feeds my passion for my creativity.
Music, art, other strange people I get the privilege to meet as I traverse my path.
But…it’s a lonely journey. Alone. I can’t do other people. They always get lost as to who I am.
But now I’m getting old, and that’s ok.
Be well my soul friend. I hope your journey finds you in a safe place.
My soul, Goes on a wander from time to time and doesn't want to come back to this old body
That statement hit home
@@justinfolsom6219 .
I’m with you
Lol 😂
It’s my drinking that breeds the wolves 🐺
Craziness!
But I feed like a king 👑 off depression
Wow , this blows me away. Im 68 tired of fighting. The pain on my mind.
This is or was my sister's favorite song. Every time she would get drunk she would play this song and say hey it's me. I now play this song occasionally for my sister who is up in Heaven and looking down on us, you see my sister died Last year just 10 days after she turned 43 years old and I dedicate this song to her and in her memory. Crystal Ann Ely (Hylton, Earnest, Eaton) 11/07/1978-11/17/2020.
It was a cry for help.may she rest in peace 🙏 ❤🎉
This River is the first song on my playlist of 254 songs and I play it daily if not more! I’ve got like 6 million of those 12 million views, I love it!
9 years clean by the Grace of God and this River 🙏
this song helps me. when i just want to drink till i hit the river. my river, light it up and drown it in bourbon. calm my soul. at the bottom i hold on. hold till the river lets me sleep. take me home.
That kicked me right in the heart.
Eugene Boyle, yep. me too.
Rivers are our sacred medicine
This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard ._.
Ain't it?
Bad rub call
Making me cry again for reasons unknown to such a beautiful sound and imagery.
It's not every day that you get to do a duet with Danny Aiello. Anyway, this is such a raw and powerful song, that reaches every sinew in my body. It's storytelling at its best.
Where did my soul go?
Where did my spirit hide?
Why won't they rescue me
From the pain of the mind
Get cold chills with that line every time
I feel this down deep
I am right there.
@@jamesnoland3293 DITTO.
@@tinydancercindy I'm 5 months sober this week. I listen to this song every time i want to drink.
"this river"...touches my heart, brings tears to my eyes, most importantly thou, gives me hope!
Give it to god take it to the river amen!
if it was not for the River... I would be Dead.it carry's my son Andrew s soul
😢My family, my life... I do understand. ❤
Damn. If you get it you get it. I don’t think any song has brought me to tears that quickly.
Holy powerful Batman.. every time I come back to this, I cry like it's the first time I'm hearing/seeing it.
JJ Grey is a true artist.
This is my FIRST time hearing of this dude and we were raised on classic rock. I feel so cheated. I let my niece hear it and she said "Oh my God, I just need him to sing one song to me and the rest of my life will be okay." I thought wow, now THAT'S a fitting description for what this MUSIC does to you. Absolutely remarkable.
RIP Wesley my loving brother. Bittersweet brother.
Maybe I just had a bad week, but this one hit hard. It hurt to watch it.
Thankfully we have songwriters and poets to express the unexpressable
Very well said. This one hit me hard too. Very special find.
Where words fail music speaks
So instead of running wide ass open all of our lives how bout slowing down and walking...take a little time to enjoy life and love those God puts into our lives...we will all die at the end of our lives so slow down and enjoy the beauty in and of life that God has given us
That was very well put.
Just cannot get tired of this song.
Can't get enough volume to cover this song ❤️
I know your right on that. ❤ Great song!!!
I ask myself almost every day why am I still here. I wish there was more love in this cold world.
Never to old to learn something good not be mad and know you learned something that a lot of other people should learn God is great.
I talked to God and I ask him to forgive me for my sins wich I try to learn from just like every one else I forgive people and let it all go. I thought we were all created equal and if we asked for forgiveness and worked on our selves no one was supposed to judge. Use that means each and every person. At least that's what I believe.
Hey kids. This is what soul sounds like. JJ is the real deal. Love him.
RIP Danny Aiello♥️
I was born an raised a stones throw from the Brazos River, and I've spent almost everyday of my life on it. As a child, it was my happy place where reality gave way to a beautiful, and amazing world where my imagination ran wild. From about the age of 8, am still to this day, my twin brother and I are still commonly referred to as "The River Rats." Every single "first" that a young man has, kiss, joint, beer, fight, etc, happened to me either under the bridge, in the woods, or right in the salty, red water that runs through my veins. It has, and always will be my sanctuary. A few years ago, I fukd off everything that was good in my life, my 4 children, wife, job, house, EVERYTHING. No excuses, and no real reason I can think of other than I guess that's how it goes sometimes. The only place I had to go was My River. The only relief my mind ever feels is when my feet are in the water, and my lips are on a bottle. I can still hear the sounds of my children chasing each other in the sand where I now shed so many tears that they wash out the sand, and roll right off into the water, where I fell in love under the light of the moon that seemed to shine from her wet, unclothed body as she beckoned me to make her mine. Yeah, this one hit me so deep, I will never be the same. Don't lose what you already have because of foolish pride.
Grew up in Mobile Alabama U.S.A. and we also call ourself River Rats LOL
Caleb King you can always go forward try to fix what’s broken .god bless
u have to taker care of your children...no matter what.
This song always makes me cry,,your comment here made me cry too. I've been on the opposite side of what you just wrote..
@Caleb King wow man I 100% know that exact pain. Its will strip u to ur bare minimum. Our souls will repairs themselves we just have to open our minds and hearts to it then the recovery process will take place. It will be painful i know first hand but its worth it. U gotta go thru it to grow thru it. Mind heart & soul.. I prayed daily for understanding and guidance and my faith and heart has strengthened and now i have come into my final chapter in my life and into my true womanhood and only wit God's grace. Im still well on my way to who I'm meant to be and the reward is going to be glorious. And know that no matter what, not one person or thing can ever fuck wit a child's love for its parents. It dont matter what you do, really, or what their told their love is everlasting and no matter how long ur absent from them they will always come back to u. One day. They will. Ill pray for ur healing. ✌ out man!!
I feel these words in my soul. beautiful and heartbreaking. thank you for the song
Danny Aiello adds an extra realness to an already powerful song. 😣
Danny Aiello - I will miss you. Thanks JJ for this song and video....beautiful.
I absolutely bless the day I first heard JJ and Mofro. I love the soulful blues and y’all just speak to my soul!!!
See, I feel this river flowing right through me oh, I feel this river right through me!
I don't deal with addiction or PTSD but this song calls to me. God bless all
Is that Henry Winckley “ The Fonz”?????
@@roosterscoopartworks8169 I think you mean Winkler. No, this is not him. This is Danny Aiello.
@@FXMAN66 lol, lightheadedly!
Count your blessings 💕
@@loveandlight8533 I wish blessings for you
That don't give ya chills then u ain't alive the struggle hurts inside. I know the place this man is at. Jesus thank you
This song grabs me everytime. I simply feel it's lonely echo "flowing right thru me" since I can remember.
“Drinking away to keep the wolves of my mind at bay “ Damn. I understand that so fully. Beautiful and honest
Love this song. I'm a veteran with severe PTSD and I've also been searching for my River for a very long time. One day I hope to.
Man how is this group not more popular. I've listened to a few of their songs and its pretty damn good stuff. Damn sure better than that crap played on today's mainstream radio stations
That young to old transition at 2:30 ........wow......
Playing music has always comforted me. Been my great escape . I miss playing to losing my heart and soul. The emotion and feelings hit hard. Great toon JJGREY.
This is. By far my life of addiction!!! The most beautiful song I have ever heard!!!!!