About the song
“Let the River Run,” a stirring anthem written, composed, and performed by Carly Simon, stands as a testament to both her musical prowess and its resonant impact as the theme song for the 1988 film “Working Girl,” directed by Mike Nichols. This song achieved unprecedented acclaim, making Simon the first artist to sweep the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song (shared with “Two Hearts” by Phil Collins and Lamont Dozier), and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television, all for a composition entirely by a single artist.
The soundtrack for “Working Girl,” featuring Simon’s iconic track, reached No. 45 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release in 1989. Notably, the album includes a choral rendition of “Let the River Run” performed by The St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys of New York City, enhancing the song’s emotive power with its majestic vocals.
Carly Simon drew inspiration for the song’s lyrics from her initial readings of the film’s script and the poetry of Walt Whitman. Her goal was to craft a hymn celebrating New York City, juxtaposing a contemporary jungle beat with lyrical imagery evoking hope and aspiration. While the phrases “Silver Cities Rise” and “The New Jerusalem” have sparked various interpretations over the years, Simon clarified that the song wasn’t originally imbued with specific political or religious connotations, though observers have noted echoes of William Blake’s work in its thematic depth.
The accompanying music video, shot aboard the Staten Island Ferry and featuring Melanie Griffith and Joan Cusack from “Working Girl,” added visual depth to Simon’s lyrical narrative. Upon its release as a single, “Let the River Run” reached No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on the Adult Contemporary chart, solidifying its place as one of Carly Simon’s most beloved and recognizable hits.
Critics, including Cash Box, hailed “Let the River Run” as a pinnacle of Simon’s songwriting prowess, noting its evocative blend of gospel-tinged melodies and powerful lyricism that resonates as an anthem for the working class. The song has since been prominently featured in compilations of Simon’s work, such as “Clouds in My Coffee” (1995), “Anthology” (2002), and “Reflections: Carly Simon’s Greatest Hits” (2004), ensuring its enduring legacy in the annals of popular music.
In summary, “Let the River Run” not only solidified Carly Simon’s reputation as a versatile and gifted artist but also remains a timeless tribute to the spirit of New York and the enduring power of hope and ambition. Its accolades and continued presence in cultural memory underscore its significance as a quintessential piece of cinematic and musical history.
Video
Lyrics
Let the river run
Let all the dreamers wake the nation
Come, the New Jerusalem
Silver cities rise
The morning lights the streets that lead them
And sirens call them on with a song
It’s asking for the taking
Trembling, shaking
Oh, my heart is aching
We’re coming to the edge
Running on the water
Coming through the fog
Your sons and daughters
We the great and small
Stand on a star
And blaze a trail of desire
Through the darkening dawn
It’s asking for the taking
Come run with me now
The sky is the colour of blue
You’ve never even seen
In the eyes of your lover
Oh, my heart is aching
We’re coming to the edge
Running on the water
Coming through the fog
Your sons and daughters
It’s asking for the taking
Trembling, shaking
Oh, my heart is aching
We’re coming to the edge
Running on the water
Coming through the fog
Your sons and daughters
Let the river run (Let the river run)
Let all the dreamers (let all the dreamers)
Wake the nation (wake the nation)
Come, the New Jerusalem