Bishop Briggs stormed into the alternative music scene with her powerful single River, a track that immediately captured the attention of both critics and fans. Released in 2016 as part of her self-titled debut EP and later featured on her first full-length album Church of Scars (2018), River catapulted Bishop Briggs to fame. The song became a chart-topping hit, climbing the Alternative Songs chart and securing a spot in the Top 10, showcasing the raw energy and emotional intensity that defines Briggs’ music.
Co-written by Bishop Briggs, Ian Scott, and Mark Jackson — the latter known for his work with artists like Dorothy and Bleachers — River is a haunting anthem about empowerment, desire, and emotional struggle. Its pulsating beats and thunderous basslines stand in stark contrast to Briggs’ soulful, almost gritty voice, creating a dynamic that’s impossible to ignore.
The Journey of Bishop Briggs and the Story Behind River
Before becoming the face behind River, Bishop Briggs — born Sarah Grace McLaughlin — had a unique path into the music world. Born in London to Scottish parents and raised in Japan and Hong Kong, she was constantly surrounded by a mix of cultures and musical influences. These global experiences shaped her bold, genre-bending sound, blending rock, soul, and electronic elements.
Her stage name, Bishop Briggs, was inspired by the town of Bishopbriggs in Scotland, where her parents were from. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity to her persona, as she often merges her heritage with modern sounds.
River emerged from a place of raw emotion, with Briggs describing it as a reflection on confronting one’s demons and embracing vulnerability. The lyrics — “Like a river, like a river / Shut your mouth and run me like a river” — capture the push and pull of control and surrender, resonating deeply with listeners who connect with its intensity.
The Striking Visuals of the River Music Video
The music video for River is as fierce and unapologetic as the song itself. Directed by James Larese, the video is a minimalist yet impactful piece that relies heavily on striking contrasts — black and white shots, dramatic lighting, and intense close-ups of Briggs.
The visuals focus on raw emotion rather than elaborate storytelling. Throughout the video, we see Briggs thrashing, singing with primal intensity, and pouring her heart into every frame. The stark aesthetic mirrors the song’s tension, visually representing the emotional push-and-pull between control and chaos.
One of the most memorable moments features water imagery, reinforcing the metaphor of the river — an unstoppable force that represents both power and danger. Larese’s direction ensures that the video is a visual representation of the storm within the song, leaving viewers captivated and, frankly, a bit breathless.
The Music Theory Behind River — Talk Nerdy to Me
For those who love to dive deep into the technical side of music, River by Bishop Briggs offers some fascinating elements:
- Key and Chord Progression: The song is written in the key of F minor, a key often associated with intensity and passion — perfect for a track filled with raw emotion.
- Rhythm and Beats: The song’s most distinctive feature is its powerful, almost tribal drum pattern. The syncopated beats and heavy bass create a sense of urgency and tension, driving the listener forward.
- Melodic Structure: Briggs uses a limited melodic range, which amplifies the emotional weight of each note. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the feeling of being trapped in an endless emotional current — much like a river’s unyielding flow.
- Dynamic Contrast: The shifts from soft, whisper-like verses to thunderous choruses build a dramatic arc, mirroring the emotional journey Briggs sings about.
This blend of musical tension and release keeps listeners hooked, making River as addictive sonically as it is emotionally.
More from Bishop Briggs — Exploring Her Other Hits
If you’re hooked on River, there’s much more to discover from Bishop Briggs:
- Wild Horses — Another hit single, Wild Horses leans into Briggs’ signature blend of indie rock and soul, with haunting lyrics and a gripping chorus.
- White Flag — Featured on Church of Scars, this track is an anthem of resilience and strength, packed with the same raw emotion that defines River.
Briggs has also collaborated with artists like Cold War Kids and scored notable festival slots at Coachella and Lollapalooza, proving she’s not just a one-hit wonder but a true powerhouse in the alternative music world.
FAQs About River by Bishop Briggs
What inspired Bishop Briggs to write River?
Bishop Briggs has explained that River was born from a place of emotional intensity, representing the internal struggle between control and vulnerability. It’s about standing your ground and confronting life’s darker moments.
Was River Bishop Briggs’ first hit song?
Yes! River was her breakthrough single in 2016, launching her career and earning her a spot in the Top 10 of the Alternative Songs chart.
What album is River on?
River first appeared on Bishop Briggs’ debut self-titled EP and later featured on her full-length album Church of Scars, released in 2018.
Who directed the River music video?
The River music video was directed by James Larese, known for his minimalist yet striking visual storytelling.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of River?
The lyrics explore themes of power, desire, and emotional struggle, using the metaphor of a river to symbolize an unstoppable force — a reflection of both control and chaos.
What musical elements stand out in River?
The song’s heavy drum beats, minor key, and dramatic dynamic contrasts create a raw and intense sonic landscape that mirrors its emotional depth.
River by Bishop Briggs is more than just a hit song — it’s a powerful anthem of emotional reckoning, backed by bold visuals and intricate musical layers. For fans of alternative music, Briggs’ work is a masterclass in blending vulnerability with intensity, proving that her sound is as unstoppable as the river she sings about.
