Larry Karpenko’s new single, “The River,” is a deeply evocative and moving piece, using the serene imagery of the Shenandoah River as a backdrop for a journey of introspection and spiritual longing. The song paints a vivid picture of the river, winding through Virginia’s lush Massanutten Mountains, a natural haven for rest, serenity, and reflection.
“The River” is characterized by its intimacy and honesty. Quiet passages of harp and piano create a tranquil soundscape, inviting the listener to visualize a calming river stream. The song explores a universal human desire: the need for a safe space, a place of security and peace. As the narrative unfolds, a spiritual dimension emerges, with the chorus introducing the powerful metaphor of “the river that runs through my heart.”
The second verse expands on this metaphor, comparing the river to the strong, steady flow of God’s love. The third verse encourages listeners to seek out their own personal spaces of peace and reflection. The song builds to an emotional climax with the introduction of a choir, evoking a sense of heavenly beauty and grandeur.
This sense of the divine is further emphasized by a seamless transition into the familiar hymn “Shall We Gather at the River,” where the chorus swells with powerful brass and orchestral percussion, creating a feeling of triumphant, heaven-like reunion. The addition of handbells adds to the celebratory atmosphere, reminiscent of joyful church bells. Finally, the arrangement returns to the serene river imagery, with Karpenko drawing the listener in with the poignant lyric “the river that flows by the throne of God,” bringing the narrative to a perfect and resonant close. “The River” is a truly transporting listening experience, offering both solace and a sense of spiritual upliftment.
Larry Karpenko’s ‘The River’ is a beautifully intimate and honest exploration of the human desire for a safe space filled with peace and reflection.
