Music Monday: I'm So Lucky I Live By The River - Melissa Holland

​An original song by Melissa Holland, performed by Ms Holland (keyboard and vocals) with photography by Paul Hewitt. Melissa and Paul live in Beacon, NY located in Dutchess County on the Hudson River. Beacon was Pete Seeger's hometown, and he was dedicated to revitalizing the Hudson after it had been badly contaminated by pollution. Melissa Holland performed regularly with Pete Seeger, and this was his favorite song of hers. She's an active member and regular performer at the Hudson Valley Folk Guild and the Hyde Park Free Library.

I'M SO LUCKY I LIVE BY THE RIVER (HUDSON RIVER)" LYRICS

​I’m so lucky I live by the river
I’m so lucky I can hear the sound
Of the waves against the rocks
And the rustling of the trees
See the skies reflection change from blue to bright green
I’m so lucky I live by the river
I’m so lucky I live by the river
I’m so lucky the mountains reach its shores
Towering above me, like giant palace walls
These ancient granite statues make me feel so safe and small

I’m so lucky I live by the river
I can swim or climb, I can sit and stare
I can slow down time or immerse myself in prayer
I’m so lucky I live by the river
I’m so lucky to walk out on the dock
And watch the colored kayaks race on by
The graceful sailboats lean
The fishermen so quiet cast their lines and cast their dreams
I’m so lucky I live by the river​

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Thanks to HRMM volunteer Mark Heller for sharing his knowledge of Hudson River music history for this series.​

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