Recording and Mixing Dates: Recorded 2006. Mixed January 5, 2016
Genesis: I wrote this song in late November 1998. As best as I can recall, I pinched the title from a book by the scientist, Richard Dawkins, which was published in 1996. I didn’t read the book, which is subtitled “A Darwinian View of Life.” From the late 1960s to 2010 I recorded titles, phrases, and lyric ideas in notebooks that I kept on my bedside table. One day in 1998 I saw “River out of Eden” in the notebook and got to work. I have gone back to this compendium for inspiration again and again. The phrase “kingfisher blue” in verse 2 came from one of the lists, pinched from a book of Japanese poetry I read in the late 70s.
The lyric and the moody music were likely inspired by my affection for the songs of Gene Clark. Clark, a founding member of The Byrds, went on to write many poetic, moody songs as a solo performer.
I recorded a demo in 2002 using a drummer and a bass player. Soon after I asked David Spires, a great Nashville pedal steel player, to record a track. I love David’s work on this track but over time I replaced the drum and bass tracks. I had a decent mix completed in 2006, which I shared with a few people, but I was not satisfied. I am very happy with this first release of 2016.
Production: Bass, drums, two electric 12-string guitars, a Wurlitzer electric piano, pedal steel guitar, and a synthesizer string pad.
RIVER OUT OF EDEN
The river is perfumed
With petals of spring
The fragrance is two-edged
Since I’ve lost everything
And all the dreams I built
Are left in ruins
As I ride this river
Out of Eden
Her hair was the sunset
Her eyes kingfisher-blue
Death has its parting
Life it has them too
I know I can’t look back
Or I’ll go under
As the shadows dance on this river
Out of Eden
The river grows wider
As it cuts to the sea
A white curve of water
Closes in on me
Hope must now become
My silent partner
As I ride this river
Out of Eden
As I ride this river
Out of Eden
Copyright 2016 Fred Grittner all rights reserved
52 tracks blog 
Fred, I will read again and again. Such beautiful lyrics and music that carries me along with the flow of that river. Love this!
Kathi Fox
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Wish you well with the project. Love the first track. I enjoy getting the background/inspiration for the song. Thanks for including the lyrics. Are we really related !? Best wishes from your can’t sing a note sister.
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Cool song, Fred. Mature tune for a young guy..
And kudos on a nice production. You’ve created a nice mood here..
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Nice song, I look forward to hearing more. The instruments are eerily reminiscent of “Wiked Game” by Chris Isack; I like that style.
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Fred, if this is an example of the other songs to come, I hope you will compile the 12 into a CD. I look forward to the others.
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This is so good. The production is outstanding… WIll be following.
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Nice imagery brother. My only suggestion would be to add some echo to your voice. But then I’m a big fan of voice reverb. Adds some balls and we all need that, right? Right??
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Nice job..Fred…..Your songs have worked their way into my brain in the most unexpected ways…Nice atmosphere on this…
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Excellent song, Fred. Strong melody and lyrics. You are in good voice. I rarely can stand listeing to pedal steel… but it does work very well here. The one Thing I could have done without is the synthesizer strings.
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Second try.
Fine song, Fred, good lyrics and melody! I usually dislike pedal steel, it works well here, The only Thing I could have done without is the synthi strings.
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