There is a River

This is a folk-style song, which uses the idea of the flow of water in a river to describe God's love.

It is usually attributed to American Baptist brothers, Max and David Sapp, written in 1969 when David was only 17, inspired by the experiences that their oldest brother, Roy had on a mission trip in India and Africa. However Special Sacred Selections: spanning the spectrum in sacred songs, published in 1977 by Sacred Selections, Kendallville, Indiana for the Churches of Christ, attributes the text to the Sapps, and verses 2-3 to Norma Crum and editor Ellis Crum (1928-2011).

The song became well-known after it was recorded by Jimmy Swaggart in 1972 as a southern-gospel style song. Since then it has been extensively performed and recorded by the Gaither Family Band, and others. It is sometimes, incorrectly, attributed written by Bill Gaither.

The final chorus alone was published, unattributed in:

Songs of Praise, Scripture in Song Recordings Ltd, New Zealand, in 1973 or earlier
20th Century Folk Hymnal, Volume 3, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England, 1976

An alternative set of verses, attributed to Robert B Kelly (details unknown) was published in:

Liturgical Hymns Old and New, 1999, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England
Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, 1994 , McCrimmon Publications, England.

A Māori-language translation of the chorus, Ano te Awa, has been made - author unknown, and apparently not published anywhere. If you have any information about it, or know of any other translations, or have details about Robert B Kelly, then please leave a message in the Comments box at the bottom of the page.

Downloads

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SATB arrangement, by Johnny Priaon

Arranged for piano, with guitar chords - as performed by the Gaithers

Examples

Close harmony quartet at a live worship event, with piano-led band

Close harmony quartet at a 21st century live worship event, with piano-led band

Trio with piano - live performance

Jimmy Swaggart in concert, with piano, band and chorus

Small group with band, words on-screen

Quartet with guitars, live in a church-service

Choir and congregation with guitars, live in a church-service

Quartet with piano - professional recording

Singer with piano, 1970s recording

Small group with electronic keyboard - Robert B Kelly words

Instrumental - piano with chamber orchestra, professional recording

Instrumental - electronic organ

Lyrics

USA words

There was a thirsty woman who was drawing from a well,
Her life was ruined and wasted, her soul was bound for hell.
Then she met the Master He told of her great sin,
And if you drink of this water, you will never thirst again.

There is a river that flows from deep within,
There is a fountain that frees the soul from sin.
Come to this water, there is a vast supply.
There is a river that never shall run dry.

There came a sound from Heaven of a rushing mighty wind,
It filled their hearts with singing, as it gave them peace within.
The Prophet gave this promise, the Spirit will descend,
And from your inner being, a river with no end.

There is a river that flows from God above.
There is a fountain that's filled with His great love.
Come to this water, there is a vast supply.
There is a river that never shall run dry.

Alternative version: verses 2-5 by by Robert B Kelly

1. There is a river that flows from God above;
there is a fountain that’s filled with his great love.

Chorus:
Come to the waters; there is a great supply;
there is a river that never shall run dry.

2. Wash me with water, and then I shall be clean;
white as the new snow, if you remove my sin.

3. Plunged in the water, the tomb of our rebirth,
so may we rise up to share in Christ’s new life.

4. All who are thirsty, now hear God as he calls;
come to the Lord’s side, his life pours out doe all.

5. Safe in the new Ark, the Church of Christ our Lord,
praise God for water, his sign to save the world.

Maori language chorus - based on the 2nd chorus from the original song

(translator unknown)

Anō te awa, hei rere iho nei,
Anō te awa, mairingi iho nei.
Haere mai tatou, ki tenei awa nui.
Anō he awa, hei rere iho nei.