Sandy Denny

Wondering and waiting, my back agaist the wall
Not a word that passed between us comes to recall
Just you shadow at the window as you pass on down the hall
You never wanted me and never knew me at all

I haven't any picture to set before my eyes
Nothing I can blame when the blues start to rise
Just the memory of laughter and a living out of lies
But if I could change my ways we would never have said goodbye

If you ever get the time, please think of me
It's a lock that can't be broken and there isn't any key
I'm only in your mind, only you can set me free
You can't hurt me anymore and it isn't hard to see

Someday, someone will leave you and I know you'll feel the same
But you'll mark it down to memory and a dream that never came
But they are no answers given when love is just a game
And you never wanted me and now I feel the same

Wondering and waiting, my back agaist the wall
Not a word that passed between us comes to recall
Just you shadow at the window as you pass on down the hall
You never wanted me and never knew me at all

I haven't any picture to set before my eyes
Nothing I can blame when the blues start to rise
Just the memory of laughter and a living out of lies
But if I could change my ways we would never have said goodbye

If you ever get the time, please think of me
It's a lock that can't be broken and there isn't any key
I'm only in your mind, only you can set me free
You can't hurt me anymore and it isn't hard to see

Someday, someone will leave you and I know you'll feel the same
But you'll mark it down to memory and a dream that never came
But they are no answers given when love is just a game
And you never wanted me and now I feel the same

The summer was the reason
Why it took so long to see
That even if I do possess
Some seeds of honesty,
There is no garden,
So how come I have no land?
I shall be waiting here awhile
To see what comes to hand.

Misers mise and compromise;
I know what I have seen.
The wanderers are in the east;
That's where I should have been.
But I did not go there;
I couldn't find the way.
I do believe I made a try,
But I really couldn't say.

Oh, that wretched Wilbur,
He keeps ploughing up the land.
He fights the battle thoughtfully
With roses in his hands.
But where is the fight now?
So play us your merry song.
The autumn, it has blown away,
And the winter, it is long.

The summer was the reason
Why it took so long to see
That even if I do possess
Some seeds of honesty,
There is no garden,
So how come I have no land?
I shall be waiting here awhile
To see what comes to hand.

Misers mise and compromise;
I know what I have seen.
The wanderers are in the east;
That's where I should have been.
But I did not go there;
I couldn't find the way.
I do believe I made a try,
But I really couldn't say.

Oh, that wretched Wilbur,
He keeps ploughing up the land.
He fights the battle thoughtfully
With roses in his hands.
But where is the fight now?
So play us your merry song.
The autumn, it has blown away,
And the winter, it is long.

The summer was the reason
Why it took so long to see
That even if I do possess
Some seeds of honesty,
There is no garden,
So how come I have no land?
I shall be waiting here awhile
To see what comes to hand.

Misers mise and compromise;
I know what I have seen.
The wanderers are in the east;
That's where I should have been.
But I did not go there;
I couldn't find the way.
I do believe I made a try,
But I really couldn't say.

Oh, that wretched Wilbur,
He keeps ploughing up the land.
He fights the battle thoughtfully
With roses in his hands.
But where is the fight now?
So play us your merry song.
The autumn, it has blown away,
And the winter, it is long.

The summer was the reason
Why it took so long to see
That even if I do possess
Some seeds of honesty,
There is no garden,
So how come I have no land?
I shall be waiting here awhile
To see what comes to hand.

Misers mise and compromise;
I know what I have seen.
The wanderers are in the east;
That's where I should have been.
But I did not go there;
I couldn't find the way.
I do believe I made a try,
But I really couldn't say.

Oh, that wretched Wilbur,
He keeps ploughing up the land.
He fights the battle thoughtfully
With roses in his hands.
But where is the fight now?
So play us your merry song.
The autumn, it has blown away,
And the winter, it is long.

Across the evening sky, all the birds are leaving
But how can they know it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming
I have no thought of time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving
Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go
But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving
I do not count the time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

And I am not alone while my love is near me
I know it will be so until it's time to go
So come the storms of winter and then the birds in spring again
I have no fear of time

For who knows how my love grows?
And who knows where the time goes?

Across the evening sky, all the birds are leaving
But how can they know it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming
I have no thought of time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving
Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go
But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving
I do not count the time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

And I am not alone while my love is near me
I know it will be so until it's time to go
So come the storms of winter and then the birds in spring again
I have no fear of time

For who knows how my love grows?
And who knows where the time goes?

Across the evening sky, all the birds are leaving
But how can they know it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming
I have no thought of time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving
Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go
But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving
I do not count the time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

And I am not alone while my love is near me
I know it will be so until it's time to go
So come the storms of winter and then the birds in spring again
I have no fear of time

For who knows how my love grows?
And who knows where the time goes?

The dancing plants grow low
Burning embers start to glow
The pictures soon will fade
Pictures that the flames have made
Your hazy, wistful face
Suddenly is gone without a trace

[Chorus]
Summer days I'll float downstream
Wondering where the day has been
Boats that sail away at night
Come the day
Have sailed far out of sight
Reminiscing summer walks
Empty glances, moonlit talks
Candyfloss and ice-cream cones
Discothques and rolling stones
Passing fancies fly away
Empty shadows on a sunlit bay

[Chorus: x 2]

Fotheringay version
The dancing flowers grow low
Burning embers start to glow
The pictures soon will fade

Pictures that the flames have made
Your hazy, wistful face
Suddenly is gone without a trace

Reminiscing summer walks
Empty glances, moonlit talks
Promises that mean so much
Broken with a single touch
Passing fancies fly away
Painting shadows on the sunlit bay

[Chorus]

Summer days I'll float downstream
Wondering where the day has been
Boats that sail away at night
Come the dawn
Have sailed far out of sight
Deserted evening warm and still
Strangers come and go at will
Driftwood on the silent shore
Laughter from an open door
Friendly faces once again
Come inside before it starts to rain

[Chorus]

If today was not an endless highway,
If tonight was not a crooked trail,
If tomorrow wasn't such a long time,
Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting,
And if I could hear his heart softly pounding,
Only if he was lying by me.
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.

I can't see my reflection in the waters,
I can't speak the sounds that show no pain,
I can't hear the echo of my footsteps,
Or can't remember the sound of my own name.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting,
And if I could hear his heart softly pounding,
Only if he was lying by me.
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.

There's beauty in the silver, singing river,
There's beauty in the sunrise in the sky,
But none of these and nothing else can touch the beauty
That I remember in my true love's eyes.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting,
And if I could hear his heart softly pounding,
Only if he was lying by me.
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.

This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers
No crap shooters, no midnight ramblers,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.

Chorus:
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don't carry nothin' but the righteous an' the holy
This train is bound for glory, this train.
This train goes down the track, this train,
This train goes down the track, this train,
This train goes down the track,
And once you're on board you don't come back
This train goes down the track, this train

(Chorus)

This train don't pay no transportation, this train,
This train don't pay no transportation, this train,
This train don't pay no transportation
No Jim Crow and no discrimination,
This train don't pay no transportation, this train.

(Chorus)

This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train,
This train don't carry no gamblers
No crap shooters, no midnight ramblers,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.

Chorus:
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don't carry nothin' but the righteous an' the holy
This train is bound for glory, this train.
This train goes down the track, this train,
This train goes down the track, this train,
This train goes down the track,
And once you're on board you don't come back
This train goes down the track, this train

(Chorus)

This train don't pay no transportation, this train,
This train don't pay no transportation, this train,
This train don't pay no transportation
No Jim Crow and no discrimination,
This train don't pay no transportation, this train.

(Chorus)

To cross the wide sea I deserted,
From the shore I did fly.
I thought it time that I travelled,
So I took to the roads of the sky.

It was late and the wind it did gently blow,
Oh the night it was calm.
I saw the flower of the ocean
And the universe did me noo harm,
It said to fly on.

The sea captain he loved the ocean,
But his ship was on fire.
His hands they did stretch out before him,
For to take one of many desires,
But there was no time.

Across the wide sea he departed,
From the ship he did fly.
He thought it time that he travelled
And I saw him as he passed by,
And I saw him as he passed by.

To cross the wide sea I deserted,
From the shore I did fly.
I thought it time that I travelled,
So I took to the roads of the sky.

It was late and the wind it did gently blow,
Oh the night it was calm.
I saw the flower of the ocean
And the universe did me noo harm,
It said to fly on.

The sea captain he loved the ocean,
But his ship was on fire.
His hands they did stretch out before him,
For to take one of many desires,
But there was no time.

Across the wide sea he departed,
From the ship he did fly.
He thought it time that he travelled
And I saw him as he passed by,
And I saw him as he passed by.

Do I ever wonder? You don't know.
You'll never follow, and I'll never show.
D'you see the water and watch it flow
And float an empty shell,
And you think that I'm hiding from the island.
You've a fault in your senses. Can you feel it now?

Time? What is that? I've no time to care.
I've lived for a long while nearly everywhere.
You will be taken, everyone, you ladies and you gentlemen.
Fall and listen with your ears upon the paving stone.
Is that what you hear? The coming of the sea?

Sea flows under your doors in London town.
And all your defences are all broken down.
You laugh at me on funny days, but mine's the slight of hand.
Don't you know I am a joker, a deceiver?
And I'm waiting for the land.

Do I ever wonder? You don't know.
You'll never follow, and I'll never show.
D'you see the water and watch it flow
And float an empty shell,
And you think that I'm hiding from the island.
You've a fault in your senses. Can you feel it now?

Time? What is that? I've no time to care.
I've lived for a long while nearly everywhere.
You will be taken, everyone, you ladies and you gentlemen.
Fall and listen with your ears upon the paving stone.
Is that what you hear? The coming of the sea?

Sea flows under your doors in London town.
And all your defences are all broken down.
You laugh at me on funny days, but mine's the slight of hand.
Don't you know I am a joker, a deceiver?
And I'm waiting for the land.

Annie wanders on the land.
She loves the freedom of the air.
She finds a friend in ev'ry place she goes.
There's always a face she knows.
I wish that I was there.

She says, "I'm leaving here tomorrow
To find a new town far away."
She says, "Won't you come too? You need a break.
You love to wake up somewhere new
And find another day."

But I live in the city
And imagine country scenes.
For among the rich,
Within four walls and out of reach,
I live behind the screen.

She smiles as one who loves to smile,
To show that she is free.
But is she thinking now it's time
To wander back again,
To see her friends and me?

We all live in the city
And imagine country scenes,
For among the rich,
Within four walls and out of reach,
We live behind a screen.

The steps he took were nice and easy.
He never knew he could stumble and go down.
As he saw the buildings and the mountains crumble,
Over the road he would take to the town.
He said, ``Next year I'm coming back, I'll see you later.''
It takes longer when you're far away.

There's a tale which says he was pursued by an assassin.
What he knows of that, no-one can tell.
How close he came to the trapper,
But he stopped by a wishing well.
He said, ``Next year there will be many flowers,
Each one much brighter than the one before.''

As he turned he caught the feeling,
And he smiled as he walked down the road.
All my days they are filled with meaning,
But I have yet to fathom the code.
But next year I'll call the tune and it won't be easy,
The timing's all out of place with how you feel.

Next year I'm coming back, I'll see you later.
It takes longer when you are far away.
Next year there will be many flowers,
Each one much brighter than the one before.
Next year I'll call the tune and it won't be easy,
The timing's all out of place with how you feel

The steps he took were nice and easy.
He never knew he could stumble and go down.
As he saw the buildings and the mountains crumble,
Over the road he would take to the town.
He said, ``Next year I'm coming back, I'll see you later.''
It takes longer when you're far away.

There's a tale which says he was pursued by an assassin.
What he knows of that, no-one can tell.
How close he came to the trapper,
But he stopped by a wishing well.
He said, ``Next year there will be many flowers,
Each one much brighter than the one before.''

As he turned he caught the feeling,
And he smiled as he walked down the road.
All my days they are filled with meaning,
But I have yet to fathom the code.
But next year I'll call the tune and it won't be easy,
The timing's all out of place with how you feel.

Next year I'm coming back, I'll see you later.
It takes longer when you are far away.
Next year there will be many flowers,
Each one much brighter than the one before.
Next year I'll call the tune and it won't be easy,
The timing's all out of place with how you feel

They stood upon the deck
As the ship went out to sea
The wind it took the sails
And left the land a memory
All upon the shore for
To wonder why the sailor goes
All to close their eyes
And wonder what the sailor knows
That is you to they
That is how they think you are
Never on the land
But sailing by the north star
That is you to them
That is how they think you are
Never on the land

But sailing by the north star
To the tower and to the ravens and
The tale that hopes they'll never leave
What if they should go?
We always dread to think of them
I wonder if they flew one day
And no one ever knew they'd gone
To circle over ships at sea
Claiming yet another son
That is you to me
That is where I think you are
Never on the land
But gone to find the north star

They stood upon the deck
As the ship went out to sea
The wind it took the sails
And left the land a memory
All upon the shore for
To wonder why the sailor goes
All to close their eyes
And wonder what the sailor knows
That is you to they
That is how they think you are
Never on the land
But sailing by the north star
That is you to them
That is how they think you are
Never on the land

But sailing by the north star
To the tower and to the ravens and
The tale that hopes they'll never leave
What if they should go?
We always dread to think of them
I wonder if they flew one day
And no one ever knew they'd gone
To circle over ships at sea
Claiming yet another son
That is you to me
That is where I think you are
Never on the land
But gone to find the north star

They stood upon the deck
As the ship went out to sea
The wind it took the sails
And left the land a memory
All upon the shore for
To wonder why the sailor goes
All to close their eyes
And wonder what the sailor knows
That is you to they
That is how they think you are
Never on the land
But sailing by the north star
That is you to them
That is how they think you are
Never on the land

But sailing by the north star
To the tower and to the ravens and
The tale that hopes they'll never leave
What if they should go?
We always dread to think of them
I wonder if they flew one day
And no one ever knew they'd gone
To circle over ships at sea
Claiming yet another son
That is you to me
That is where I think you are
Never on the land
But gone to find the north star

They stood upon the deck
As the ship went out to sea
The wind it took the sails
And left the land a memory
All upon the shore for
To wonder why the sailor goes
All to close their eyes
And wonder what the sailor knows
That is you to they
That is how they think you are
Never on the land
But sailing by the north star
That is you to them
That is how they think you are
Never on the land

But sailing by the north star
To the tower and to the ravens and
The tale that hopes they'll never leave
What if they should go?
We always dread to think of them
I wonder if they flew one day
And no one ever knew they'd gone
To circle over ships at sea
Claiming yet another son
That is you to me
That is where I think you are
Never on the land
But gone to find the north star

I'm a long way from you,
I'm a long way from home.
And who cares for the feeling
Of being alone?
The notes and the words
They will always unfold
And I'm left with a manuscript
That will grow old
And the secrets all told anyway.

So the song it is yours,
And the song it is mine.
And a cold wind it blows
Through good fortunes of time.
The hobo he leaves
When the going is bad
And the music he weaves
Is so gentle and sad.
But freedom he has anyway.

It's a lesson too late for the learning
Made of sand, made of sand
In the winking of an eye my soul is turning
In your hand, in your hand.

Chorus:
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Will there be not a trace left behind?
I could have loved you better
Didn't mean to be unkind
But you know that was the last thing on my mind.
You had reasons plenty for going
This I know, this I know.
For the weeds have been steadily growing
Please don't go, please don't go.

(Chorus)

As we walk, my thoughts are a-tumbling
Round and round, round and round
And the subway beneath my feet is a-rumbling
Underground, underground

(Chorus)

As I lie in my bed in the morning
Without you, without you.
Every song in my breast dies a-borning
Without you, without you.

(Chorus)

It's a lesson too late for the learning
Made of sand, made of sand
In the winking of an eye my soul is turning
In your hand, in your hand.

Chorus:
Are you going away with no word of farewell?
Will there be not a trace left behind?
I could have loved you better
Didn't mean to be unkind
But you know that was the last thing on my mind.
You had reasons plenty for going
This I know, this I know.
For the weeds have been steadily growing
Please don't go, please don't go.

(Chorus)

As we walk, my thoughts are a-tumbling
Round and round, round and round
And the subway beneath my feet is a-rumbling
Underground, underground

(Chorus)

As I lie in my bed in the morning
Without you, without you.
Every song in my breast dies a-borning
Without you, without you.

(Chorus)

The lady she had a silver tongue.
For to sing she said,
And maybe that's all.
Wait for the dawn and we will have that song.
When it ends it will seem
That we hear silence fall.

The lady she had a golden heart,
For to love, she said
And she did not lie.
Wait for the dawn and we'll watch for the sun.
As we turn it will seem
To arise in the sky.

We heard that song while watching the skies,
Oh the sound it rang
So clear through the cold.
Then silence fell and the sun did arise
On a beautiful morning of silver and gold.

The lady she had a silver tongue.
For to sing she said,
And maybe that's all.
Wait for the dawn and we will have that song.
When it ends it will seem
That we hear silence fall.

The lady she had a golden heart,
For to love, she said
And she did not lie.
Wait for the dawn and we'll watch for the sun.
As we turn it will seem
To arise in the sky.

We heard that song while watching the skies,
Oh the sound it rang
So clear through the cold.
Then silence fell and the sun did arise
On a beautiful morning of silver and gold.

The lady she had a silver tongue.
For to sing she said,
And maybe that's all.
Wait for the dawn and we will have that song.
When it ends it will seem
That we hear silence fall.

The lady she had a golden heart,
For to love, she said
And she did not lie.
Wait for the dawn and we'll watch for the sun.
As we turn it will seem
To arise in the sky.

We heard that song while watching the skies,
Oh the sound it rang
So clear through the cold.
Then silence fell and the sun did arise
On a beautiful morning of silver and gold.

I once loved a lass and I loved her so well
And I hated all others who spoke of her ill.
And now she's rewarded me well for my love,
For she's gone and she's wed another.

And I saw my love up to the church go
With bridesmen and bridesmaidens she made a fine show.
And I followed on with my heart full of woe
For she's gone and she's wed another.

I saw my love as she sat down to dine.
I sat down beside her and poured the wine.
And I thought of the lassie that should have been mine,
I thought her sweet company better than meat
Now she's gone and she's wed another.

All the men in yon forest they asked of me,
How many strawberries grow in a salt sea?
And I answer them with a tear in my e'e,
How many ships sail in the forest?

Oh dig me a grave and dig it sae deep,
And cover it over with wee flowers sae sweet.
And I lay me down for to take a long sleep
And maybe in time I'll forget her.

So they dug him a grave and they dug it sae deep
And they covered it over with wee flowers sae sweet
And he lay him down for to take a long sleep
And maybe in time he'll forget her.

I once loved a lass and I loved her so well
And I hated all others who spoke of her ill.
And now she's rewarded me well for my love,
For she's gone and she's wed another.

And I saw my love up to the church go
With bridesmen and bridesmaidens she made a fine show.
And I followed on with my heart full of woe
For she's gone and she's wed another.

I saw my love as she sat down to dine.
I sat down beside her and poured the wine.
And I thought of the lassie that should have been mine,
I thought her sweet company better than meat
Now she's gone and she's wed another.

All the men in yon forest they asked of me,
How many strawberries grow in a salt sea?
And I answer them with a tear in my e'e,
How many ships sail in the forest?

Oh dig me a grave and dig it sae deep,
And cover it over with wee flowers sae sweet.
And I lay me down for to take a long sleep
And maybe in time I'll forget her.

So they dug him a grave and they dug it sae deep
And they covered it over with wee flowers sae sweet
And he lay him down for to take a long sleep
And maybe in time he'll forget her.

Such sweet love is so hard to find
Look around, these are troublesome times
The sun beats down on our hunger and thirst
It would soon all be over if we let it be worse

Chorus
Take me away, take me away
Take me away, take me away
If not for you how would I keep going
No one to be near, no good fortune to know
Take my hand, make me feel stronger
You're a man - progress is slow

(Chorus)

There will be rain clouds, for harvest to grow
We'll find the rain clouds, and the rivers will flow
Leave what is past, search for the future
Leave this black dream for it's high time to go

(Chorus)

He was a stranger to himself,
A spy in his own camp,
And his money was his health,
All thrown to the dust by his very own hand.

Yet his beauty lingered still,
Beyond the draining of the sand,
But greener was the other side of the hill,
Richer was the other man's land.

But we loved him, loved him just like brothers would.
We loved him, loved him like no others could,
And she loved him, loved him like a lover should.

Take good care of an aching heart,
You never can replace it.
You know you are the master of your art,
You'll realise that when you think it fit.

Those orbs of blue are jading away,
No laughter from these dances.
Yet you're bound to remember this one day,
Hazards are risks, and risks are chances.

You can run for cover, run for cover like a frightened hare,
Till it's all over, all over and there's no-one there,
'Cause you daren't discover, daren't discover that we really care.

He was a stranger to himself,
A spy in his own camp,
And his money was his health,
All thrown to the dust by his very own hand.

Yet his beauty lingered still,
Beyond the draining of the sand,
But greener was the other side of the hill,
Richer was the other man's land.

But we loved him, loved him just like brothers would.
We loved him, loved him like no others could,
And she loved him, loved him like a lover should.

Take good care of an aching heart,
You never can replace it.
You know you are the master of your art,
You'll realise that when you think it fit.

Those orbs of blue are jading away,
No laughter from these dances.
Yet you're bound to remember this one day,
Hazards are risks, and risks are chances.

You can run for cover, run for cover like a frightened hare,
Till it's all over, all over and there's no-one there,
'Cause you daren't discover, daren't discover that we really care.

Good morning, good afternoon,
And what have you got to say?
Well i'm waiting, but i can't stay long,
It's such a lovely day.
There's a time to be talking
And a time when it's no use.
Right now i think the things you say
Are liable to confuse.

I've just gone solo.
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?

What a wonderful way to live,
She's travelling all over the world.
Why, the fame and all the golden
Opportunities unfurled.
No time for the gent with the mulliner bentley
And heaven knows what else.



Why, he wouldn't even stand a chance
With all his oil-wells.

She just went solo.
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?

I've always lived in a mansion
On the other side of the moon.
I've always kept a unicorn
And i never sing out of tune.
I could tell you that the grass is really greener
On the other side of the hill,
But i can't communicate with you
And i guess i never will.

We've all gone solo.
We all play solo.
Ain't life a solo?

Good morning, good afternoon,
And what have you got to say?
Well i'm waiting, but i can't stay long,
It's such a lovely day.
There's a time to be talking
And a time when it's no use.
Right now i think the things you say
Are liable to confuse.

I've just gone solo.
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?

What a wonderful way to live,
She's travelling all over the world.
Why, the fame and all the golden
Opportunities unfurled.
No time for the gent with the mulliner bentley
And heaven knows what else.



Why, he wouldn't even stand a chance
With all his oil-wells.

She just went solo.
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?

I've always lived in a mansion
On the other side of the moon.
I've always kept a unicorn
And i never sing out of tune.
I could tell you that the grass is really greener
On the other side of the hill,
But i can't communicate with you
And i guess i never will.

We've all gone solo.
We all play solo.
Ain't life a solo?

Good morning, good afternoon,
And what have you got to say?
Well i'm waiting, but i can't stay long,
It's such a lovely day.
There's a time to be talking
And a time when it's no use.
Right now i think the things you say
Are liable to confuse.

I've just gone solo.
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?

What a wonderful way to live,
She's travelling all over the world.
Why, the fame and all the golden
Opportunities unfurled.
No time for the gent with the mulliner bentley
And heaven knows what else.



Why, he wouldn't even stand a chance
With all his oil-wells.

She just went solo.
Do you play solo?
Ain't life a solo?

I've always lived in a mansion
On the other side of the moon.
I've always kept a unicorn
And i never sing out of tune.
I could tell you that the grass is really greener
On the other side of the hill,
But i can't communicate with you
And i guess i never will.

We've all gone solo.
We all play solo.
Ain't life a solo?

As gentle tides go rolling by,
Along the salt sea strand
The colours blend and roll as one
Together in the sand.
And often do the winds entwine
Do send their distant call,
The quiet joys of brotherhood,
And love is lord of all.

The oak and weed together rise,
Along the common ground.
The mare and stallion light and dark
Have thunder in their sound.
The rainbow sign, the blended flower
Still have my heart in thrall.
The quiet joys of brotherhood,
And love is lord of all.

But man has come to plough the tide,
The oak lies on the ground.
I hear their tires in the fields,
They drive the stallion down.
The roses bleed both light and dark,
The winds do seldom call.
The running sands recall the time
When love was lord of all.

Polly, pretty Polly, come go along with me
Polly, pretty Polly, come go along with me
Before we get married some pleasure to see

She got up behind him and away they did ride
She got up behind him and away they did ride
Over the hills and the valleys so wide

They rode a little further and what did they spy
They rode a little further and what did they spy
But a new-dug grave with a spade lying by

Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm scared of your ways
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm scared of your ways
Scared you might lead my poor body astray

Polly, pretty Polly, you've guessed just about right
Polly, pretty Polly, you've guessed just about right
I've dug on your grave the best part of last night

And he stabbed her in the heart and the heart-blood did flow
And he stabbed her in the heart and the heart-blood did flow
Into her grave pretty Polly did go

He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
Leaving nothing behind but the wild birds to moan

And it's debt to the devil, and Willy must pay
And it's debt to the devil, and Willy must pay
For killing pretty Polly and running away

Polly, pretty Polly, come go along with me
Polly, pretty Polly, come go along with me
Before we get married some pleasure to see

She got up behind him and away they did ride
She got up behind him and away they did ride
Over the hills and the valleys so wide

They rode a little further and what did they spy
They rode a little further and what did they spy
But a new-dug grave with a spade lying by

Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm scared of your ways
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm scared of your ways
Scared you might lead my poor body astray

Polly, pretty Polly, you've guessed just about right
Polly, pretty Polly, you've guessed just about right
I've dug on your grave the best part of last night

And he stabbed her in the heart and the heart-blood did flow
And he stabbed her in the heart and the heart-blood did flow
Into her grave pretty Polly did go

He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
He threw a little dirt over her and started for home
Leaving nothing behind but the wild birds to moan

And it's debt to the devil, and Willy must pay
And it's debt to the devil, and Willy must pay
For killing pretty Polly and running away

There you may stand in your splendour and jewels
Swaying me in both directions.
One is the right one, the other for fools,
How do I make my selection?
The city lies silent in the warm morning light,
The sand is as golden as saffron.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones who have none though they have tried.
Someone is drowning down there in the flood
But this river will dry by tomorrow.
Is it ocean or stream, this love in my blood,
Bringer of joy or of sorrow?
The end of the journey must soon be in sight,
Birth is the start of the swansong.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones who want some but are denied.
No one is given the map to their dreams,
All we can do is to trace it.
See where we go to,
Know where we've been,
Build up the courage to face it
While we fumble in the darkness where once there was light
Roaming the land of the ancients.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones whose patience never died.
While we stumble in blindness where once there was sight
Searching for trees in the forest.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones, so helpless they have cried.
God bless the poor ones who have none though they have tried.
God bless the poor ones who want some but are denied.
God bless the poor ones whose patience never died.
God bless the poor ones on that one way donkey ride.

There you may stand in your splendour and jewels
Swaying me in both directions.
One is the right one, the other for fools,
How do I make my selection?
The city lies silent in the warm morning light,
The sand is as golden as saffron.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones who have none though they have tried.
Someone is drowning down there in the flood
But this river will dry by tomorrow.
Is it ocean or stream, this love in my blood,
Bringer of joy or of sorrow?
The end of the journey must soon be in sight,
Birth is the start of the swansong.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones who want some but are denied.
No one is given the map to their dreams,
All we can do is to trace it.
See where we go to,
Know where we've been,
Build up the courage to face it
While we fumble in the darkness where once there was light
Roaming the land of the ancients.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones whose patience never died.
While we stumble in blindness where once there was sight
Searching for trees in the forest.
Oasis of love, sweet water of life,
God bless the poor ones, so helpless they have cried.
God bless the poor ones who have none though they have tried.
God bless the poor ones who want some but are denied.
God bless the poor ones whose patience never died.
God bless the poor ones on that one way donkey ride.

My friend i know you've suffered,
Although you are still young.
Why was it you who'd not take help
From anyone?
Oh it's true, it's very true, he said,
Some hard times i have known,
But i have always overcome them
On my own.
Oh the pearls that you hold in your hand
They are beautiful to see,
But you show them not to anyone,
Not even me.
For you are like the others, he said.
I never can be sure
That you wish just to see the pearls
And nothing more.
Why can you not see reason?
Our lives they are not long.
Why can you take no time
To tell us all we're wrong?
My tune it does not change, he said,
And neither does your song,
And words i use them rarely
When i'm all alone.

My friend i know you've suffered,
Although you are still young.
Why was it you who'd not take help
From anyone?
Oh it's true, it's very true, he said,
Some hard times i have known,
But i have always overcome them
On my own.
Oh the pearls that you hold in your hand
They are beautiful to see,
But you show them not to anyone,
Not even me.
For you are like the others, he said.
I never can be sure
That you wish just to see the pearls
And nothing more.
Why can you not see reason?
Our lives they are not long.
Why can you take no time
To tell us all we're wrong?
My tune it does not change, he said,
And neither does your song,
And words i use them rarely
When i'm all alone.

Here comes the morning how it pleases
It always brings me something new
Its golden light will wash away the dust of yesterday
If I try it may let me forget you
And when these winter days are over
I mean to set myself upon my feet
I see me as something that I have never been
And I'll pick up the pieces that will make the girl complete
I'll be smiling all the time at everybody
My friends will tell me I'm just not the same
I won't linger over any tragedies that were
And I won't be singing any more sad refrains

Here comes the morning how it pleases
It always brings me something new
Its golden light will wash away the dust of yesterday
If I try it may let me forget you

And when these winter days are over
I mean to set myself upon my feet
I see me as something that I have never been
And I'll pick up the pieces that will make the girl complete

I'll be smiling all the time at everybody
My friends will tell me I'm just not the same
I won't linger over any tragedies that were
And I won't be singing any more sad refrains

Here comes the morning how it pleases
It always brings me something new
Its golden light will wash away the dust of yesterday
If I try it may let me forget you

And when these winter days are over
I mean to set myself upon my feet
I see me as something that I have never been
And I'll pick up the pieces that will make the girl complete

I'll be smiling all the time at everybody
My friends will tell me I'm just not the same
I won't linger over any tragedies that were
And I won't be singing any more sad refrains

They said that it was snowing in astounded tones upon the news.
I wonder why they're always so surprised 'cos every year it snows.
Frozen images of snowploughs as they churn along the motorways.
I haven't had no boots to wear or any loot to spare for days and days.
I've travelled more than forty miles today, i must have grown some wings.
It's strange how time just seems to fly away, i can't remember things.
In a world of my own they say and who can blame them, they're just not the same.
I've known about it all along though i thought i was all wrong, and it's such a shame.
Why don't you have any brushes any more, i used to like your style.
I see no paintings anywhere and there's no smell of turpentine.
Did i really have no meaning? well i never thought i'd hear those words from you.Who needs a meaning anyway, i'd settle anyday for a very fine view.
I couldn't even tell you all the changes since you saw me last.
My dreams were like the autumn leaves, they faded and they fell so fast.
In fact as you say the snows are here and how the time it slips away.
But i'm glad you did pass by, i think i'll have another try. it's another day.
The day and then the night have gone, it was not long before the dawn,
And the travelling man who sat so stiffly in his chair began to yawn.
Having kept me here so long my friend, i hope you have a sleeping place to lend,
But the painter he just smiled and said: i'll see you in a while, this one has no end.

They said that it was snowing in astounded tones upon the news.
I wonder why they're always so surprised 'cos every year it snows.
Frozen images of snowploughs as they churn along the motorways.
I haven't had no boots to wear or any loot to spare for days and days.
I've travelled more than forty miles today, i must have grown some wings.
It's strange how time just seems to fly away, i can't remember things.
In a world of my own they say and who can blame them, they're just not the same.
I've known about it all along though i thought i was all wrong, and it's such a shame.
Why don't you have any brushes any more, i used to like your style.
I see no paintings anywhere and there's no smell of turpentine.
Did i really have no meaning? well i never thought i'd hear those words from you.Who needs a meaning anyway, i'd settle anyday for a very fine view.
I couldn't even tell you all the changes since you saw me last.
My dreams were like the autumn leaves, they faded and they fell so fast.
In fact as you say the snows are here and how the time it slips away.
But i'm glad you did pass by, i think i'll have another try. it's another day.
The day and then the night have gone, it was not long before the dawn,
And the travelling man who sat so stiffly in his chair began to yawn.
Having kept me here so long my friend, i hope you have a sleeping place to lend,
But the painter he just smiled and said: i'll see you in a while, this one has no end.

Then came the question and it was about time.
The answer came back and it was long.
The house it was built by some man in a rhyme,
But whatever came of his talented son?
Who wrote me a dialogue set to a tune?
Always you told me of being alone,
Except for the stories about God and you,
And do you still live there in Buffalo?

They put up the walls with no more to say,
Nobody stopped to ask why it was done.
The stream was too far and the rain was too high,
So into the city the river did run.
Because of the architect the buildings fell down,
Smothered or drowned all the seeds which were sown.
I wish I were somewhere, but not in this town.
Maybe the ocean next time around.

I seem to remember the face and the name,
But if it's not you I won't care.
I know of changes, but nothing would change you
To Theo the sailor who sings in his lair.
And then I'll turn and he won't be there,
Dusky black windows to light the dark stair,
Candles all gnarled in the musty air
All without flames for many's the year.

Then came the question and it was about time.
The answer came back and it was long.
The house it was built by some man in a rhyme,
But whatever came of his talented son?
Who wrote me a dialogue set to a tune?
Always you told me of being alone,
Except for the stories about God and you,
And do you still live there in Buffalo?

They put up the walls with no more to say,
Nobody stopped to ask why it was done.
The stream was too far and the rain was too high,
So into the city the river did run.
Because of the architect the buildings fell down,
Smothered or drowned all the seeds which were sown.
I wish I were somewhere, but not in this town.
Maybe the ocean next time around.

I seem to remember the face and the name,
But if it's not you I won't care.
I know of changes, but nothing would change you
To Theo the sailor who sings in his lair.
And then I'll turn and he won't be there,
Dusky black windows to light the dark stair,
Candles all gnarled in the musty air
All without flames for many's the year.

Then came the question and it was about time.
The answer came back and it was long.
The house it was built by some man in a rhyme,
But whatever came of his talented son?
Who wrote me a dialogue set to a tune?
Always you told me of being alone,
Except for the stories about God and you,
And do you still live there in Buffalo?

They put up the walls with no more to say,
Nobody stopped to ask why it was done.
The stream was too far and the rain was too high,
So into the city the river did run.
Because of the architect the buildings fell down,
Smothered or drowned all the seeds which were sown.
I wish I were somewhere, but not in this town.
Maybe the ocean next time around.

I seem to remember the face and the name,
But if it's not you I won't care.
I know of changes, but nothing would change you
To Theo the sailor who sings in his lair.
And then I'll turn and he won't be there,
Dusky black windows to light the dark stair,
Candles all gnarled in the musty air
All without flames for many's the year.

Then came the question and it was about time.
The answer came back and it was long.
The house it was built by some man in a rhyme,
But whatever came of his talented son?
Who wrote me a dialogue set to a tune?
Always you told me of being alone,
Except for the stories about God and you,
And do you still live there in Buffalo?

They put up the walls with no more to say,
Nobody stopped to ask why it was done.
The stream was too far and the rain was too high,
So into the city the river did run.
Because of the architect the buildings fell down,
Smothered or drowned all the seeds which were sown.
I wish I were somewhere, but not in this town.
Maybe the ocean next time around.

I seem to remember the face and the name,
But if it's not you I won't care.
I know of changes, but nothing would change you
To Theo the sailor who sings in his lair.
And then I'll turn and he won't be there,
Dusky black windows to light the dark stair,
Candles all gnarled in the musty air
All without flames for many's the year.

Then came the question and it was about time.
The answer came back and it was long.
The house it was built by some man in a rhyme,
But whatever came of his talented son?
Who wrote me a dialogue set to a tune?
Always you told me of being alone,
Except for the stories about God and you,
And do you still live there in Buffalo?

They put up the walls with no more to say,
Nobody stopped to ask why it was done.
The stream was too far and the rain was too high,
So into the city the river did run.
Because of the architect the buildings fell down,
Smothered or drowned all the seeds which were sown.
I wish I were somewhere, but not in this town.
Maybe the ocean next time around.

I seem to remember the face and the name,
But if it's not you I won't care.
I know of changes, but nothing would change you
To Theo the sailor who sings in his lair.
And then I'll turn and he won't be there,
Dusky black windows to light the dark stair,
Candles all gnarled in the musty air
All without flames for many's the year.

He was a man and a friend always
We rambled on in the bad old days.
He never cared if I had no dough,
He stuck with me in the rain and snow.

Chorus:
And here's to you, my ramblin' boy,
May all your ramblin' bring you joy.
Here's to you, my ramblin' boy,
May all your ramblin' bring you joy.
In Tulsa town we chanced to stray.
We thought we try and work one day.
The boss said he had room for one,
Said my old pal, We'd rather bum.


Late one night in a jungle camp
The weather it was cold and damp.
He got the chills and he got them bad,
I lost the only friend I had.


He left me here to ramble on,
My ramblin' pal is dead and gone.
When we die, we go somewhere,
I'll bet you a dollar he'll be ramblin' there.

Gold and silver is the autumn
Soft and gentle are her skies
Yes I know, are the answers
Written in my true love's eyes

Autumn's leaving, winter's coming
I think that I'll be moving on
I've got to leave him and find another
I've got to sing my heart's true song

Round and round the burning circle
All the seasons, one, two, and three
Autumn leaves with the winter
Spring is born and wanders free

Gold and silver burnt my autumns
All too soon they'd fade and die
And then there were no others
Milk and honey were their lives

Gold and silver is the autumn
Soft and gentle are her skies
Yes I know, are the answers
Written in my true love's eyes

Autumn's leaving, winter's coming
I think that I'll be moving on
I've got to leave him and find another
I've got to sing my heart's true song

Round and round the burning circle
All the seasons, one, two, and three
Autumn leaves with the winter
Spring is born and wanders free

Gold and silver burnt my autumns
All too soon they'd fade and die
And then there were no others
Milk and honey were their lives

Where are you riding to Sir Knight
Alone and armed for war?
If not to fight for right Sir Knight
Then what are weapons for?

Why d'you hide your face Sir Knight
Within a face of iron?
The more you shield your eyes from light
The more you'll make them blind.

Turn your horse for home Sir Knight
Your hawk and hounds are waiting.
Your lady does not sleep at night
She fears the hand of fate tonight.

Turn your face towards the sun
And listen to the minutes run
Oh can't you feel the warning breeze
And hear the whisper in the trees?

Look behind you, man of iron
And your children call and do
Not find you and a wall of silent
Laughter scornes the chorus of their cries.

Was this the end you chose, Sir Knight?
Was this why you were born so bright?
The wolves will chew your bones tonight
It is your brother's hand you hold so tight.
Your brother's blood, your brother's life,
Your brother's love, your brother's knife.

Make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.

Come all you good time friends of mine,
Come all you good time friends of mine.
When I had ten dollars, you treated me so fine
Where were you when I only had a dime.

Come on and make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.

I'll be more than satisfied,
If I could catch one train to ride


But if I reach atlanta with no place to go,
Please make me a pallet on your floor

Make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.

I'm gonna make you a red-hot meal
Gonna make you a red-hot meal
To show you I appreciate all that you have done
When you make me a pallet on your floor.

Come on and make me a pallet on your floor
Make me a pallet on your floor
Make it soft, make it low, so your woman don't know
Make me a pallet on your floor.

The young man rose his pretty face,
All for to feel the salty spray.
When storms are mustering, they say
I'll come and take you all away.

I am a traveller by trade,
I only have what I have made.
A fortune teller too they say,
And I can take you all away.

Chorus:
Listen Listen to him do.
He is the one who is for you.
Listen, they say
He'll come and take us all away.

And over there the young man stayed,
Upon on the rocks so rough and grey.
Watching the boy, watching the day
Thinking of how he came to be.

A young man he, he is so real,
And never more to go astray.
He is of value now they say,
And he can take himself away.

(Chorus)

The young man rose his pretty face,
All for to feel the salty spray.
When storms are mustering, they say
I'll come and take you all away.

I am a traveller by trade,
I only have what I have made.
A fortune teller too they say,
And I can take you all away.

Chorus:
Listen Listen to him do.
He is the one who is for you.
Listen, they say
He'll come and take us all away.

And over there the young man stayed,
Upon on the rocks so rough and grey.
Watching the boy, watching the day
Thinking of how he came to be.

A young man he, he is so real,
And never more to go astray.
He is of value now they say,
And he can take himself away.

(Chorus)

Roses are red, and violets are blue,
Primroses pale on a velvet green hue,
Warm summer days by cool waterfalls,
Like the music we hear,
Those things we'll always hold dear,
Like an old fashioned waltz.
When the moonlight shines down
On the hollywood world,
And the heroine waits for her beau to return,
And violins play from behind garden walls,
How i'd love to remain with the silver refrain
Of an old fashioned waltz.
As they dance round the floor,
And there's no-one else there,And the world is no more and there's never a care,
By the perfect lagoon where the nightingale calls,
With only the moon and the nostalgic tune
Of an old fashioned waltz.
Roses are red and violets are blue,
Primroses pale on a velvet green hue,
Warm summer days by cool waterfalls,
Like the music we hear,
Those things we'll always hold dear,
Like an old fashioned waltz,
Like an old fashioned waltz,
An old fashioned waltz.

Roses are red, and violets are blue,
Primroses pale on a velvet green hue,
Warm summer days by cool waterfalls,
Like the music we hear,
Those things we'll always hold dear,
Like an old fashioned waltz.
When the moonlight shines down
On the hollywood world,
And the heroine waits for her beau to return,
And violins play from behind garden walls,
How i'd love to remain with the silver refrain
Of an old fashioned waltz.
As they dance round the floor,
And there's no-one else there,And the world is no more and there's never a care,
By the perfect lagoon where the nightingale calls,
With only the moon and the nostalgic tune
Of an old fashioned waltz.
Roses are red and violets are blue,
Primroses pale on a velvet green hue,
Warm summer days by cool waterfalls,
Like the music we hear,
Those things we'll always hold dear,
Like an old fashioned waltz,
Like an old fashioned waltz,
An old fashioned waltz.

Well, come-a little baby
let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Come a little baby
let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot
Sister don't like it,
your brother don't like it
father don't like it,
your mother don't like it
Come-a little baby
let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot

Well, Goin' to Alabama back from Texarkana
Goin' all round the world
I'm goin' to Alabama back from Texarkana
Goin' all round the world
your sister don't like it,
my brother don't like it
your father don't like it,
my mother don't like it
Come a little baby
let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot

Come-a little baby,
don't-a mean-a maybe
Come a let's settle down
Come a little baby,
don't-a mean-a maybe
Come a let's settle down
My sister don't like it,
your brother don't like it
My father don't like it,
My mother don't like it
Come a little baby
let's jump the broomstick
Come on let's tie a knot

The wine it was drunk, the ship it was sunk,
The shot it was dead, all the sorrows were drowned.
The birds they were clouds, the brides and the shrouds
And as we drew south the mist it came down.

The wooded ravine to the wandering stream,
The serpent he moved, but no-one would say.
The depths of the waters, the bridge which distraught us
And brought to me thoughts of the ill-fated day.

The temples were filled with the strangest of creatures
One played it by ear on the banks of the sea.
That one was found but the others they went under.
Oh the tears which are shed, they won't come from me.

The methods of madness, the pathos and the sadness,
God help you all, the insane and wise.
The black and the white, the darkness of the night,
I see only smoke from the chimneys arise.

The pilot he flew all across the sky and woke me.
He flew solo on the mercury sea.
The dream it came back, all about the tall brown people,
The sacred young herd on the phosphorus sand.

The wine it was drunk, the ship it was sunk,
The shot it was dead, all the sorrows were drowned.
The birds they were clouds, the brides and the shrouds
And as we drew south the mist it came down.

The wooded ravine to the wandering stream,
The serpent he moved, but no-one would say.
The depths of the waters, the bridge which distraught us
And brought to me thoughts of the ill-fated day.

The temples were filled with the strangest of creatures
One played it by ear on the banks of the sea.
That one was found but the others they went under.
Oh the tears which are shed, they won't come from me.

The methods of madness, the pathos and the sadness,
God help you all, the insane and wise.
The black and the white, the darkness of the night,
I see only smoke from the chimneys arise.

The pilot he flew all across the sky and woke me.
He flew solo on the mercury sea.
The dream it came back, all about the tall brown people,
The sacred young herd on the phosphorus sand.

The wine it was drunk, the ship it was sunk,
The shot it was dead, all the sorrows were drowned.
The birds they were clouds, the brides and the shrouds
And as we drew south the mist it came down.

The wooded ravine to the wandering stream,
The serpent he moved, but no-one would say.
The depths of the waters, the bridge which distraught us
And brought to me thoughts of the ill-fated day.

The temples were filled with the strangest of creatures
One played it by ear on the banks of the sea.
That one was found but the others they went under.
Oh the tears which are shed, they won't come from me.

The methods of madness, the pathos and the sadness,
God help you all, the insane and wise.
The black and the white, the darkness of the night,
I see only smoke from the chimneys arise.

The pilot he flew all across the sky and woke me.
He flew solo on the mercury sea.
The dream it came back, all about the tall brown people,
The sacred young herd on the phosphorus sand.

The wine it was drunk, the ship it was sunk,
The shot it was dead, all the sorrows were drowned.
The birds they were clouds, the brides and the shrouds
And as we drew south the mist it came down.

The wooded ravine to the wandering stream,
The serpent he moved, but no-one would say.
The depths of the waters, the bridge which distraught us
And brought to me thoughts of the ill-fated day.

The temples were filled with the strangest of creatures
One played it by ear on the banks of the sea.
That one was found but the others they went under.
Oh the tears which are shed, they won't come from me.

The methods of madness, the pathos and the sadness,
God help you all, the insane and wise.
The black and the white, the darkness of the night,
I see only smoke from the chimneys arise.

The pilot he flew all across the sky and woke me.
He flew solo on the mercury sea.
The dream it came back, all about the tall brown people,
The sacred young herd on the phosphorus sand.

''My shadow follows me
Wherever I should chance to go'',
John The Gun did say.
''If you should chance to meet me
As I wander to and fro,
Sad would be your day.

My life is mine and the light did shine
Till the guns they did go through me,
So now I shall never fall.
Ideals of peace are gold which fools have found
Upon the plains of war.
I shall destroy them all.''

Chorus
Put away your guns of steel,
Death comes too soon for all.
Your Master He may need you soon,
And you must heed His call.
''I am the master of the games
That you will hardly ever play,
So I will teach your sons.
And if they should die
Before the evening of their span of days,
Why, then they will die young.''

(Chorus)

''Condemn me not,
For always will I play the game of war,
In moonshine or in sun.
And if any cross the path I choose to tread,
Their chances they are poor.
My name is John The Gun.''

(Chorus)

''My shadow follows me
Wherever I should chance to go'',
John The Gun did say.
''If you should chance to meet me
As I wander to and fro,
Sad would be your day.

My life is mine and the light did shine
Till the guns they did go through me,
So now I shall never fall.
Ideals of peace are gold which fools have found
Upon the plains of war.
I shall destroy them all.''

Chorus
Put away your guns of steel,
Death comes too soon for all.
Your Master He may need you soon,
And you must heed His call.
''I am the master of the games
That you will hardly ever play,
So I will teach your sons.
And if they should die
Before the evening of their span of days,
Why, then they will die young.''

(Chorus)

''Condemn me not,
For always will I play the game of war,
In moonshine or in sun.
And if any cross the path I choose to tread,
Their chances they are poor.
My name is John The Gun.''

(Chorus)