Feel fear surround me
Closing in as the night comes down
My hands are heavy
Dark shadows are growing long
I turn and look behind me
Cold sweat chills me to the bone
Dark voices call me
Turn away from the path you’re on

Sweet river of love come save me
Holy water of grace release me now
Wash away the fear and the evil sounds
Sweet voices of angels sing loud
The name above all names is with me now
Fear go where every knee shall bow

Five hours ‘till morning
Every sound becomes my dream
I’m too scared to cry out
My sins parade on silver screen
See the face of angels
Torn from heaven by the deepest pride
And my heart cries out your name
Over and over and over again

Writer: Paul Colman / Writing location: Jenness Park, CA/Nashville, TN / Paul Colman: acoustic guitar and backing vocals / Kenny Aronoff: drums / Brent Milligan: bass / Vince Emmett: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, supro resonator, background vocals, box o' rocks / Adam Lester: electric guitar / George Cocchini: electric guitar and adrineline / Irwin Thomas (aka Jack Jones): electric guitar / Scott Darlow: didgeridoo and clap sticks / Chris Brush: percussion / Brice M: additional tom loops / Ryan Tullock: beats, horns, electric guitar, Rhodes, kaoss pad / Eric Darken: percussion and vibes / Dave May: acoustic guitar / Jeff Roach: B-3: melotron, keyboards / Across the Sky: background vocals (Ben Kolarcik & Justin Unger)

Behind the Song:
"I spent a week relaxing, dreaming, writing and re-focusing in a cabin in the Yosemite National Park in California last year. I had this romantic idea that a week alone would be so much fun and a time of inspiration. There was no TV or phone, and it snowed all week. Within a couple of hours, I was completely bored of my surroundings and my own company! I really felt aware of the spiritual battle for my soul. As the pace of my life slowed, I heard conflicting voices. I felt a call to read Scripture, to pray and to seek Him. I heard the opposing voices encourage me to run the other way. At times I felt intensely afraid. The verses of “Sweet River” document these frightful, lonely hours. One morning, after a night of such fear, I stood out on the balcony of my cabin and, for the first time, noticed the river that flowed around the snow-covered rocks and wound its way through the forest. This river became the metaphor for God and His redeeming love for me." - Paul Colman