"The River" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Garth Brooks.

The song is a mid-tempo country pop ballad in which a river is used as an analogy for the pursuit of one's dreams.

One of the greatest awards that this song has ever received was the fact that it was played at Dale Wehr's funeral.

"[2] Additional personnel on the song included Kenny Malone on percussion, Edgar Meyer on acoustic bass, and Trisha Yearwood on harmony vocals.

[3] Entertainment Weekly critic Ken Tucker considered it a standout track on the album, saying it "showcase[d]…his ability to imbue baleful country ballads with complex, soulful emotions.