Story Behind The Song
Diane, co-writer worked with University of Illinois Archeology Department and help with with digging of Indian burial ground remains and artifacts. She wrote many of the verses while riding the Illinois Central Railroad form Chicago to Texas, passing St. Louis.
Song Description
The song was written by myself and arranged/performed by my band, Chronicle. We have a video of this song, called Illinois River. In the video there are some scenes of the flooding that occurred during this Spring (2008) in the Midwest. Also, some history of the Indian culture and artifacts. Hope you like it! The Video of this song is on
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuJ1GRI1o_A
You can see the video also by visiting:
www.MySpace.com/chroniclesongs
| Song Length |
7:13 |
Genre |
Folk - Alternative, Pop - Alternative |
| Tempo |
Non 4/4 |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Male/Female |
| Mood |
Peaceful, Welcoming |
Subject |
Rivers, County |
| Similar Artists |
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil Young |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Illinois River
To the County of Calhoun my memory wanders,
Where broad Illinois cuts her path through limestone.
And the farmers will greet you; they'll never mistreat you.
The hills hide remains of ancient man's tombs.
Chorus: Sweet Valley, River come take me home.
And, I'm traveling to Texas, but my hearts in the valley.
All I can see are oil pumps on the land.
On the distant horizon I can make out the tree line that meet
And surround on the "River's grasslands.
And, the River flows closer, but not at all cleaner,
Than when I remember seeing it last.
Oh, the rail yards are muddy; the steel mills are rusty,
The sunlight is purple through a sky over cast.
Chorus: Sweet Valley, River come take me home.
And, then, River, I see River, dirt levees appear.
Rock levees, Missouri, flood plains at their rear.
I can't see any barges, no boats large or small;
I gaze to the north at the River and walls.
Then, barges and towboats as we exit St. Louis,
Refurbished sternwheelers and sun on the hill.
Mississippi's a grand one, granddaddy of all of 'em,
But not as inviting as Illinois still.
Chorus: Sweet Valley, River come take me home.
So, I long for the gentle Illinois Valley, that Illinois Valley I call my home.
Where the farmers will greet you, they'll never mistreat you.
The hills hide remains of ancient man's tombs.
Chorus: Sweet Valley, River come take me home.
Sweet Valley Illinois you're my home.
Copyright: © Gary Antelept/Diane Fisli