<Li> Vaneese Thomas - Vocals (Background) </Li> <Li> Kurt Yahjian - Vocals (Background) </Li> <P> Simon has stated that she found inspiration for the lyrics by first reading the original script, and then the poems of Walt Whitman . Musically, she wanted to write a hymn to New York with a contemporary jungle beat under it, so as to juxtapose those opposites in a compelling way . The phrases "Silver Cities Rise" and "The New Jerusalem" seem to have taken on a new meaning for many people, but the song was not originally composed with any particular political and / or religious overtones . However, many English literature and history majors, as well as many UK residents, will recognize the "new Jerusalem" allusion from William Blake and 19th - century English history . </P> <P> As a single, the song reached peak positions of #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 (her last charting song as a solo artist on this chart to date), and #11 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in early 1989 . The song remains one of Simon's best remembered and most recognizable hits . </P>

Meaning of the song let the river run
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