[STYLE: Gospel Blues, soulful Southern blues with gospel harmony, spiritual atmosphere and gradual emotional build] [INTRO: 12 bars, soft piano chords, Hammond B3 swells, warm bass, restrained drums, clean electric guitar answering the piano] [VERSE 1] I walked beside the river when the morning broke I walked beside the river when the morning broke I heard a voice inside me saying, "Brother, don't lose hope" I've carried all my troubles like a stone inside my chest I've carried all my troubles like a stone inside my chest But the river kept on moving, telling me to do my best [PRE-CHORUS: Hammond grows, soft backing vocals enter] I've been down that lonely road I've been tired and I've been blind But every step I took away Left something else behind [CHORUS: Gospel backing vocals enter] When the river calls my name I will answer, I will go When the river calls my name I will leave behind my sorrow I've been walking through the darkness I've been searching for the light When the river calls my name I'll be ready tonight [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK 1: 8 bars, piano and electric guitar exchange phrases, Hammond swells underneath] [VERSE 2] I remember my old mother singing softly in the kitchen I remember my old mother singing softly in the kitchen She said, "Son, every storm will pass, so don't give up your vision" She told me that the Lord above can see what we can't see She told me that the Lord above can see what we can't see And sometimes the longest road is where you're meant to be [PRE-CHORUS: Choir grows gradually] I have carried many burdens I have lived through many tears But the love that kept me standing Has been stronger than my fears [CHORUS: Full gospel-blues band] When the river calls my name I will answer, I will go When the river calls my name I will leave behind my sorrow I've been walking through the darkness I've been searching for the light When the river calls my name I'll be ready tonight [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK 2: 8 bars, Hammond B3 feature, piano fills, blues guitar responses, choir humming softly] [VERSE 3] There were nights I almost gave up, nights I couldn't see the dawn There were nights I almost gave up, nights I couldn't see the dawn But something deep inside me kept on telling me, "Move on" I lost some people I loved I lost some dreams along the way But every wound became a lesson And every night became a day [BRIDGE: Arrangement drops to piano and lead vocal] If you have ever been broken If you've ever lost your way If you've ever cried in silence Waiting for another day You know the road ain't easy You know the heart can bend But sometimes grace comes quietly And teaches you to stand again [FINAL CHORUS: Full choir, maximum emotional intensity] When the river calls my name I will answer, I will go When the river calls my name I will leave behind my sorrow I've been walking through the darkness Now I'm standing in the light When the river calls my name I am ready tonight [FINAL VOCAL AD LIBS] I hear it calling... I hear it now... The river is calling... And I am ready...
