Meaning of 'Steel River'

by Chris Rea

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "Steel River" by Chris Rea are about his memories of his childhood and youth on the "Steel River". The river was an important place for industry and shipbuilding. Chris Rea describes how he was born and raised there and how he sees the ships and bridges that were built there. He also remembers his first love, whom he met on the "Steel River". They dreamed together and spent their childhood days there. They kissed in the rainy streets and sought refuge in the latest trends to escape fear. The lyrics show that the "Steel River" was a place of love and growth for Chris Rea. But times changed and the river was bombed during the war. Many people died to keep the river running. Although the "Steel River" survived, it is lost forever. It is only a memory. Chris Rea decided to run away from the "Steel River" and start a new life. He took the opportunity to escape from the river and the past. The lyrics also mention that there are salmon again in the "Steel River". Although this is seen as a good sign, Chris Rea suggests that it is not enough. The salmon were born and raised to serve their mother, the river. But they were lied to and betrayed. The "Steel River" could not protect their children, even though they had believed in it. Overall, the lyrics of the song "Steel River" by Chris Rea are about his personal memories of his childhood and youth on the "Steel River". It describes the love he found there, but also the loss and disappointment he experienced. The lyrics show that the "Steel River" is not just a physical place, but also a metaphor for growth, change, and the loss of dreams and illusions.