Music Monday: The Hudson River Flows - Melissa Holland

​An original song by Melissa Holland. Performed by Melissa Holland (keyboard and vocals) with photography by Paul Hewitt. Melissa and Paul live in Beacon, New York on the Hudson River. Beacon was Pete Seeger's home town, and he was dedicated to revitalizing the Hudson after it had been badly contaminated by pollution. Melissa Holland performed regularly with Pete Seeger, and she performs regularly at the Hudson Valley Folk Guild.

THE HUDSON RIVER FLOWS - LYRICS

​We know the Hudson River flows
North and South, fast and slow
We know the Hudson River flows
She’s alive and well today

Years ago, they said she was dead
But people got together and they used their heads
Some said the future looked grim
But they dove right in

We know the Hudson River flows
North and South, fast and slow
We know the Hudson River flows
She’s alive and well today

Working, planning, side by side
Before too long they turned the tide
But the job is never done
It goes on and on

We know the Hudson River flows
North and South, fast and slow
We know the Hudson River flows
She’s alive and well today

Put those big old frackers down
Leave the gas underground
There’s power sources we’ve ignored.
That we can explore.

If we want her to stay
Education is the way
Don’t give up
Stand your ground and pass the torch on down.

We know the Hudson River flows
North and South, fast and slow
We know the Hudson River flows
She’s alive and well today
She’s alive and well today
She’s alive and well today

---

​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