1. Nostalgia and loss: The song is about the speaker's childhood memories of spending time by the river with his friends, and how those days have now passed. The speaker expresses a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity and innocence of those times, and a sense of loss as those days have come to an end.
2. Nature and beauty: The song also celebrates the beauty of nature, and how it can provide a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker describes the river as a place where he could escape from the troubles of the world and find solace in the natural beauty around him.
3. Friendship and companionship: The song also emphasizes the importance of friendship and companionship. The speaker remembers the close bonds he formed with his friends during their time by the river, and how those friendships have lasted a lifetime.
Overall, "Green Days by the River" is a song about nostalgia, loss, the beauty of nature, and the importance of friendship.