Story Behind The Song

Except that a love interest was not involved, this is a true story. The deceased was my stepson's longtime friend and roommate in Hollywood, where both of them were quite successful in the special effects and computer graphics world. My wife traveled back to California from Texas with her son after Christmas. When they arrived, "John" was on the floor of their home, delirious. At the hospital, he died with my wife holding his hand. He was a true "closet alcoholic." No one knew, strange as that may seem. In the upstairs section of the home -- his private domain -- my wife and stepson found almost 40 empty bottles. I had known him for 20 years or so. A short time later, I told the story to a cowriter, and we wrote it that day.

Song Description

Alcohol poisoning, tragically pure and simple.

Lyrics

VERSE
My river's full of whiskey
I'm the only one who knows
That was workin' until now
I'm countin' down the days
I might have a couple more
No need to stop before I go
And there ain't no rhyme or reason
Where the amber water flows

VERSE
You don't know I've hurt you
You've only seen me smile
But I'm shackled to a lie
I wish it could be different
But the truth just can't be changed
I'm way past the point of no return
And there ain't no love or comfort
Where the amber water flows

VERSE
When you get home tomorrow
We'll be here all alone
In the place we shared our love
But I won't see your teardrops
Or hear you call my name
I stole the years, babe; I drank 'em gone
And there ain't no fun or future
Where the amber water flows

VERSE
When you find the empty bottles
I'm too weak to throw away
You will know my secret
I'm begging your forgiveness
Now that it's come to this
I love you; goodbye
And there ain't no judge or jury
Where the amber water flows

TAG
No, there ain't no judge or jury
Where the amber water flows

Words & Music by Don Tomlinson & David Jack Skinner
UMC & SR © 2019 Solid Sterling Music & Skinner Publishing (BMI)
All Rights Reserved.

Metadata:
Legal: One-stop contracting.
Control rights to UMC and SR.
Contact phone number: 832.444.4848 (text/mobile)
Email: don@solidsterlingmusic.com
Mood: Anguished; Resolved; Seeking forgiveness...
Key: D / BPM: 70 / Length: 3:42
ISRC: QZ37R1900288
BMI: 24364413
ISWC: T9214751425