Much of "River of Deceit", lyrically, was inspired by the 1923 book The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, which Staley read during the making of the album.

"River of Deceit" was first performed live at the band's October 12, 1994 concert in Seattle, Washington at the Crocodile Cafe.

On January 30, 2015, the surviving members of Mad Season again reunited for a concert at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, with Chris Cornell filling in on lead vocals.

A recording of the concert was released as a live album Mad Season & The Seattle Symphony - Sonic Evolution / January 30, 2015 / Benaroya Hall.

Chris Cornell subsequently added "River of Deceit" to his solo repertoire, performing the song each night on his 2015 Higher Truth tour.