Music Monday: The Hudson River

Singer-songwriter Dar Williams was born in Mount Kisco, NY and continues to live in and write songs about New York. Known for her folk-pop sound and described as "one of America's very best singer-songwriters," Williams tours frequently and has made frequent appearances, often at fundraisers, throughout the Hudson Valley. 

"The Hudson" was released on September 13, 2005 as the final track of the album "My Better Self," and is an homage to Williams' New York/Hudson River Valley life. 

"The Hudson" Lyrics
If we're lucky we feel our lives know when the next scene arrives 
So often we start in the middle and work our way out 
We go to some gray sky diner for eggs and toast 
New York Times or the New York Post 
Then we take a ride through the valley of the shadow of death 

But even for us New Yorkers 
There's a time in every day 
The river takes our breath away 

And the Hudson, it holds the life 
We thought we did it on our own 

The river roads collect the tolls for the passage of our souls 
Through silence, over woods, through flowers and snow 
And past the George Washington Bridge 
Down from the trails of Breakneck Ridge 
The river's ancient path is sacred and slow 

And as it swings through Harlem 
It's every shade of blue 
Into the city of the new brand new 

And the Hudson yeah, it holds the life 
We thought we did it on our own 

I thought I had no sense of place or past 
Time was too slow, but then too fast 
The river takes us home at last 

Where and when does the memory take hold 
Mountain range in the Autumn cold 
And I thought West Point was Camelot in the spring 
If you're lucky you'll find something that reflects you 
Helps you feel your life protects you 
Cradles you and connects you to everything 

This whole life I remember 
As they begged them to itself 
Never turn me into someone else 

And the Hudson yeah, it holds the life 
We thought we did it on our own 

And the Hudson yeah, holds the life 
We thought we did it on our own


Do you have a favorite Dar Williams song? Have you ever seen her live in concert? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments!

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

---

​If you enjoyed this post and would like to support more history blog content, please make a donation to the Hudson River Maritime Museum or become a member today!​

Donate Now

Join Today