Maid Of The River
Levellers · Zeitgeist [1995]
So beautifully plain
As fresh as the country
That gave her her name
As crisp as the snow
And as swift as the rain
She shone like the sun
Before all of our games
She shone like a jewel
But her price was not gold
She cried more than most
When her story was told
But her people were evil
Left her barren and cold
And her heart went to market
Where her body was sold
I said : 'Hey, hey won't you take me away
'Cos I can't see the point
In the dawn of the day
When so many killers gonna take you away
They'll leave nothing left except hatred'
She's the goddess of love
The goddess in green
The goddess of all
That I've ever seen
The goddess of hope
The goddess in brown
The goddess of all
That you've burned to the ground
There's all kind of hatred
Flows out of man's hands
There's the hatred that strangles
The throat of a man
But the worst of all hatred
Is that which is planned
Against what we have
In this goddess of land
Maid Of The River
Maid Of The River stands as a defining track from The Levellers' 1995 album, Zeitgeist. Emerging during a period of significant growth for the British band, the song encapsulates their signature fusion of folk, reggae, and rock influences. The recording highlights the group's ability to weave storytelling with infectious rhythms, a hallmark of their extensive discography. Released on an album that helped cement their reputation within the alternative music scene, the track showcases the ensemble's dynamic interplay and energetic live spirit. As part of a celebrated era in their career, the song remains a testament to their enduring appeal and musical versatility. It continues to resonate with fans who appreciate the band's commitment to authentic, roots-oriented soundscapes without relying on modern production trends.