Leon Bridges offers an inside look at the struggles of the black community in his latest video, “River.” The video begins with Bridges journeying to a motel with a woman, where he finds himself in the hotel room playing his guitar. Throughout the Miles Jay-directed clip, images from the Baltimore Uprising appear.
“This video showcases the unique struggle many black men and women face across this country,” Bridges told NPR, “However, unlike the captured images which tend to represent only part of the story, I wanted to showcase that through all the injustice, there’s real hope in the world.”
Bridges’ “River” has the power to move listeners with its pure Gospel undertones mixed with rhythm and blues often reminiscent of Sam Cooke. The message promoted in “River” is to inspire people regardless of how difficult the path, you must believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“I want this video to be a message of light,” he continued. “I believe it has the power to change and heal those that are hurting.”
“River” appears on Leon Bridges’ 2015 Grammy-nominated album Coming Home, alongside “Smooth Sailin” and “Better Man.”
Watch Leon Bridges “River” video above.
