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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
The soldier smiling softly sings a song of sad farewell As the train pulls out to take him far from home His children waving gaily without knowing he has gone Now you know what I feel. And the thoughts that always greet you Every morning when you rise They never ever change they're just the same When you're weary to extreme And you never laugh or cry You're just a sheet of glass behind a frame. The best days of your life are when you don't know right from wrong When the fantasies around you seem so real And reality is really as fantastic as your dreams Now you know how I feel. So the train pulls out forever, just a whistle and it's gone And the station disappears before your eyes In time the rails will rust and you'll forget that you've been there Now I know how you feel. |
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5:35 |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
The dragonfly appeared
The North wind brought it by As summer slipped away And autumn was approaching It flew through silver trees That stood beside the lake I looked into its eyes To find that it was smiling The dragonfly was mine As slender as a wand It cast a spell as it clung To leaves that soon were falling Its camouflage grew faint As my mind grew darker still I scarcely dared to breathe It was frail and I might harm it Its touch was as soft as the thistledown That is borne on the evening breeze Its kiss was as warm as the summer rain That whispers and sighs through the trees And now the warmth of the pale winter sun Has melted the heart of the snow I lie awake throughout the night And wait for the North wind to blow |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
An orange balloon on the distant horizon
The air had a nip for the sun was still rising A delicate fusion of ambery tone Brought warmth to the shore where I walked all alone Another day begins. A crab scuttled awkwardly, shyly away Perhaps the strangest of all nature's rebels Night shed its cloak with the sounds of the day The gentle lap of the tide on the pebbles Another day begins, another day. The gulls on the breeze, soaring over my head Like marionettes with invisible thread The day unfurled like the flags on a mast Spelling a message of sunshine at last Another day begins, another day. I walked along for miles The clear blue sky was free And the smiles shone like pearls on the sea Another day begins, another day. Far too soon it was time to be leaving A gull flew ahead of me bobbing and weaving It caught my eye with a quizzical stare Was it my love, was it she who was there? Another day begins. I climbed the steep path to the high cliff top's heather The sea was as clear as a fresh mountain stream The gull as it circled away dropped a feather A souvenir of a beautiful day dream Another day begins, another day. |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
The boatman rose to the sound of his heartbeat Loud in the silent approach of the dawn He glanced through the window at mist on the lake Which hung like a shroud in the still of the morn The silver cobwebs spun with the dew Hung from the bushes in filigree splendour And water lilies asleep on the lake Were reflected so delicate, tranquil and tender. The boat man sighed as he strode through the woods To the place where his boat lay moored to a stake The hollow sound as his footsteps echoed Until the sound was lost on the lake He cast off, poling the boat from the shore Peering a head through damp clinging haze He thought that he saw strange swirling shapes A trick on the eyes that the mist often plays. So intent was the boatman on crossing the lake That he failed to notice the current that flowed Leading his boat from familiar parts He was firmly, yet somehow unknowingly, towed All at once the mist seemed to lift Sufficient to show the boatman a pool That he'd never seen in the whole of his life Unnaturally deep, black and silent, and cool. The boatman's shirt clung to his back He was sweating both from exertion and fear He had the sensation that someone was watching He felt the presence of somebody near An invisible force prevented him moving The strength of his arms was utterly sapped The twisted bushes converged round the lake Like a fish in a net he was trapped. Suddenly out of the water before him The wraith-like form of a maiden appeared Clad in shimmering radiant robes The maiden materialised as she neared The hair which finely crowned her head Was a halo of golden reflecting the sun All of the beautiful women of time Were formed all at once into one.-acap |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
Wandering the streets
Searching for a thought I chanced across an unexpected park Streams of boys and girls Laughing as they ran Were there to see the puppet man Perform his mighty tricks And you and I are young again. Running through the grass Hold your hand in mine And lose yourself in simple skyman dreams Sing out with rest When he says the word The magic word to make his tricks Succeed before your eyes And you and I are young again. Silver smiles and peals Bursting from within I know what innocence can really mean Never let it grow Stay a child within And you will find a peace of mind That's rare these softless days And you and I are young again And you and I are young again And you and I are young again. |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
You're my secret You're my inspiration You're my journey You're my destination You have always Been so close and yet so far away You're my best friend You're my total stranger You're my lifeline You're my hint of danger You have always Been so close and yet so far away In my hour of need I call on you To comfort me But you could only set me free You're my memories You're my Rock of Ages You're my future You're my empty pages You have always Been so close and yet so far away . . . |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
Close your eyes, and go to sleep
The night will soon be gone There'll be nothing here when the light goes out That wasn't here when the light was on. |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
Cousins
I only have my memories to last me the remainder of my days For time has now decided that we must go our individual ways The warmth I feel inside can more than overcome my loss But this is me today and tomorrow I must count the cost. We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. The pleasures of a lifetime condensed into a fleeting glimpse of truth, mmm A moment of delight as when a child receives a sixpence for a tooth The simple things in life mean more to me than money ever buys The greatest thing for me to see my love reflected in your eyes. We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. We'll meet again sometime though the way is never clear My sacrifice is made, everything that I hold dear We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. Oh lover of a lifetime let me look upon your loveliness alone But I cannot gaze too long for I fear that it will turn me into stone A monument to life that will stand forever by your grave Inscribed for all to see, a message of respect : "Be brave". For we'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
Cousins-Hooper
Blue skies above me I've someone to love me To take good care of me forever. Through all that time can send We'll make it to the end Just you and me, my friend, forever. Oh weeping willow Please share my pillow So that the clouds will billow forever. And I don't have to bend We'll make it to the end Just you and me, my friend, forever. The gypsy woman who sold me her heather She told me its good luck would last me forever (Forever, forever). We've got our lives to spend We'll make it to the end Just you and me, my friend, forever. And I don't have to bend We'll make it to the end Just you and me, my friend, forever. Through all that time can send We'll make it to the end Just you and me, my friend, forever. |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
An orange balloon on the distant horizon
The air had a nip for the sun was still rising A delicate fusion of ambery tone Brought warmth to the shore where I walked all alone Another day begins. A crab scuttled awkwardly, shyly away Perhaps the strangest of all nature's rebels Night shed its cloak with the sounds of the day The gentle lap of the tide on the pebbles Another day begins, another day. The gulls on the breeze, soaring over my head Like marionettes with invisible thread The day unfurled like the flags on a mast Spelling a message of sunshine at last Another day begins, another day. I walked along for miles The clear blue sky was free And the smiles shone like pearls on the sea Another day begins, another day. Far too soon it was time to be leaving A gull flew ahead of me bobbing and weaving It caught my eye with a quizzical stare Was it my love, was it she who was there? Another day begins. I climbed the steep path to the high cliff top's heather The sea was as clear as a fresh mountain stream The gull as it circled away dropped a feather A souvenir of a beautiful day dream Another day begins, another day. |
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from Strawbs - Dragonfly (1999)
Cousins
I only have my memories to last me the remainder of my days For time has now decided that we must go our individual ways The warmth I feel inside can more than overcome my loss But this is me today and tomorrow I must count the cost. We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. The pleasures of a lifetime condensed into a fleeting glimpse of truth, mmm A moment of delight as when a child receives a sixpence for a tooth The simple things in life mean more to me than money ever buys The greatest thing for me to see my love reflected in your eyes. We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. We'll meet again sometime though the way is never clear My sacrifice is made, everything that I hold dear We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. Oh lover of a lifetime let me look upon your loveliness alone But I cannot gaze too long for I fear that it will turn me into stone A monument to life that will stand forever by your grave Inscribed for all to see, a message of respect : "Be brave". For we'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb We'll meet again sometime though the road is steep and very hard to climb. |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Cousins
The gilt-edged invitation came and I said : 'What can this mean ?' 'To attend the coronation as the first guest of the Queen' 'And sit upon her right hand where the Prince is normally seen ?' The maids of honour stared at me and registered surprise To see a man of such good taste appear before their eyes Now bring rather humble, I adopted a disguise As the Minister of State for Mass Environment Controls Who condemn the working classes for inhabiting the holes That belong to Queen and Country but do not permit their souls To be free like me To be free like me Oh to be free. The perspex chandelier began to melt and slip away One million candle-powered, it kept the night at bay While the power station workers were busy making hay The workers in the fields were engaged in self-defence Which involved the use of barbed wire as a self-containing fence But as a means of self-protection, it was needlessly immense I stopped to ask them for a light, they pointed at the sun Which raised their hopes of harvesting a better crop than guns Can ever mass produce at the expense of anyone Who is free like me Who is free like me Oh who is free. The solitary peasant in his home above the lake Raised high on wooden stilts, has made the singular mistake Of revolutionary conduct at the celebration wake His urban counterpart engaged in mundane occupation Enjoys the chance of laughing at the Queen's humiliation At the hands of Ministers of State for Rehabilitation Now the power station worker though his aim is too disjointed Finds himself around the corner while his gun is never pointed He is ever at the ready, he desires to be annointed And be free like me And be free like me And be free like me Oh and be free. |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Lambert
Listen to my story, I've got something I must say All about a new experience that came to me today Well I don't want your sudden changes, I don't need your New York zoo But I want some understanding 'cause I think I'm going to lose Yes I think I'm going to lose. Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train That leads you where you just don't want to go Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train This little rock and roller's going to show you what you are. Well it might have been in Texas and it could be New Orleans But it doesn't really matter 'cause it's only in my dreams In the places where I travel and the people that I meet All I know is what I'm fighting for, it's you I really need Yes, it's you I really need. Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train That leads you where you just don't want to go Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train This little rock and roller's going to show you what you are. In the middle of time, I'm going to be thinking about you Take a look at yourself, you know I just can't live without you. Ohhhh … Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train That leads you where you just don't want to go Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train This little rock and roller's going to show you what you are. Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train That leads you where you just don't want to go Take me home, little sleepy, you don't have to take that train This little rock and roller's going to show you what you are. |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Cousins
I sailed with Miss Columbus for a trip across the sea The horizon was behind me when I found that I was free I smashed the glass I drank from, drove it deep into my arm Tell me, how do you feel now you're back on the farm ? She put me on the periscope and told me she was lost She said she was expensive but I did not mind the cost I said her deep-sea diver did not mean her any harm Tell me, how do you feel now you're back on the farm ? I rang the bell of freedom, drank from the well of plenty The milk of human kindness was succour to my soul I took her to the mast head and showed her my conditions She promised me the cargo that she carried in her hold. The sails were set for sunrise when we found the wind had dropped I tried to make the time up but the clock had somehow stopped A fire broke out below the decks and I sounded the alarm Tell me, how do you feel now you're back on the farm ? Now you might think it strange of me to write to you this way For years I was a farmer, but I could not make it pay Yet here I am a sailor and I feel a sense of calm Tell me, how do you feel now you're back on the farm ? Tell me, how do you feel now you're back on the farm ? |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Cousins
The rose buds are hard and firm Erect and proud they stand on slender stems Wrapped in silk and tied with a velvet ribbon. 'Tie the ribbon in my hair' - she says 'Your gentle touch upon my brow' 'Can make me close my eyes in sleepy pleasure'. Low the candle burns And flickers shadows on the wall It's crimson lips are closing 'round the flame. As the flame dies So shall our live die ? The roses stoop lower as their petals fall So shall our love die ? 'What is it ?' - she says 'Nothing' - say I 'Nothing but the West wind, the wind of change'. |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Cousins
The willows stand on guard in the dark Where lovers are rowing alone in the park In awe of each other they make a mistake And find they must spend one more night on the lake. And I don't care if anyone knows There's no one so fair as my Tokyo rose I don't care if anyone knows There's no one so fair as my Tokyo Rosie, my Tokyo Rosie, ooh. The blossom has fallen before the West wind The butterfly lies with its silken wings pinned Alone in the temple the lovers rejoice And sing to each other with one single voice. And I don't care if anyone knows There's no one so fair as my Tokyo rose I don't care if anyone knows There's no one so fair as my Tokyo Rosie, my Tokyo Rosie. I wear my silk kimono black Get your monkey off my back No matter where the West wind blows You'll never find a fallen rose. The flowers of heaven are roses in bloom The East wind turns West in the walls of my room I build my defence in the palace of sin The lovers make home and the loser must win. And I don't care if anyone knows There's no one so fair as my Tokyo rose I don't care if anyone knows There's no one so fair as my Tokyo Rosie, my Tokyo Rosie, oh Rosie, Rosie. |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Coombes
Politician's fighting hard to win Getting a good position so he won't have to lose again The battle's always on, working against disgrace He has to win you over, well it's always the case Ends up saving face. Delegations flying in Happiest relations, smiling faces, shaking hands The battle's always on, working against displacement They have to win them over if it's only a case Of saving space. No don't bother telling me, I can see it all for myself I was born with a mind of my own, I intend to keep it free. Still the seasons come and go Bad influences pile up like the dirty driven snow Turn off the news, I really don't want to know If there was anywhere left to go, well I think I'd want to go 'Cause I really don't like the show. No don't bother telling me, I can see it all for myself I was born with a mind of my own, I intend to keep it free. |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
Cousins
Is it the painter or the picture hanging in the gallery ? Admired by countless thousands who attempt to read the secrets Of his vision of his very soul. Is it the painter or the picture hanging in the gallery ? Or is it but a still life of his own interpretation Of the way that God had made us in the image of His eye ? Is it the sculptor or the sculpture standing in the gallery ? Touched by fleeting strangers who desire to feel the strength of hands That realised a form of life. Is it the sculptor or the sculpture standing in the gallery ? Or is it but the tenderness with which his hands were guided To discard the unessentials and reveal the perfect truth ? Is it the actor or the drama playing to the gallery ? Heard in every corner of the theatre of cruelty That masks the humour in his speech. Is it the actor or the drama playing to the gallery ? Or is it but the character of any single member of the audience That forms the plot of each and every play ? Is it the singer or his likeness hanging in the gallery ? Tongue black, still and swollen, his eyes staring from their sockets He is silent now, will sing no more. Is it the singer or his likeness hanging in the gallery ? Or is it but his conscience, insecurity and loneliness When destiny becomes at last the cause of his demise ? |
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from Strawbs - Nomadness[Remastered] (2008)
I am the depth of age of the mountain
Yet still you believe to know how to be free You are the life of the stars in the night sky As constant much brighter yet younger than me But I am the echo that calls you forever The conscience that shows you the way to belong And if you allow me I'll love you forever And make you the voice of the words of my song |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
He came into the shop and looked me straight between the eyes
And said "You know I'm Jesus" and I must have looked surprised Because he said "Please don't be hasty, no-one understands But I've got a way to prove it" and he lifted up his hands He was the man who called himself Jesus For a minute I was speechless then I looked into his face With sufficient lines of sadness for the total human race And I said "You must be joking" but he slowly shook his head And said "That's what they all say, I might as well be dead." He was the man who called himself Jesus He asked me if I knew a place where he could start to preach And I said "Well try a church, or maybe Brighton Beach" And I was trying to be serious but he didn't seem impressed He said "You think I'm crazy, you're just like all the rest." He was the man who called himself Jesus I was really quite embarrassed he was looking so sincere So I said "I close the shop soon, won't you come and have a beer?" Then he asked me if I meant it and he gave a funny smile And said he'd rather like that and he hung around a while He was the man who called himself Jesus On the way he stopped to pat little children's heads And taught them one line prayers to say when they went off to their beds But mostly they were frightened and they looked at him wide-eyed And when he said his name was Jesus, one girl even cried He was the man who called himself Jesus In the pub I asked him if he'd tried to see the Pope And he said although he'd thought about it there was really not a hope Then he said he thought he'd better go he had some work to do He said he'd come and see me in about a week or two He was the man who called himself Jesus Well after he had gone I thought of what he'd said And all his funny actions kept on running through my head And when I felt my mind was drowning in a sea of mud It seemed his pint of beer had turned into a pint of blood He was the man who called himself Jesus |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
If in some capricious moment
I should give you cause to fear Then you have but to remember That my being is mere Fortune For the rules have been laid down To guide the thoughts of those who stray If in some deserted hour We should murmur last goodbyes With the snowflakes falling softly As the tears well in your eyes Then we kiss but once and walk away Never turning round And the snow falls on our footsteps Leaving nothing to be found And my life is yet determined By the span of what it holds And the span grows ever shorter As my lifetime folds Away. |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
My ship sails in on a cloud of broken promises
It's just not true not a single word she says Time will tell whether she can change her ways It might take years, it might even take always Tell me what you see in me I'll tell you what I see in you Your picture melts before my tired eyes And all it leaves is just a trace of paradise You'll change again that's what I've been told But don't take long I might get too old Tell me what you see in me I'll tell you what I see in you Take it easy but take it slow For who knows which way next that wind will blow Time goes by just as quickly as I want it to And I'll make out like I never knew Tell me what you see in me I'll tell you what I see in you |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
Pieces of 79 and 15
Drifting along a jumbly scene Pieces of 79 and 15 Drifting along a jumbly scene 79 out of work people Sitting on top of a barbarous pole Strippers who like it and fancy a bit And parties and songs in the night 15 more people but mostly the same Girls down with love tell me what can you do? Seeing your friends down a hole in the ground With the ceiling and walls falling down. |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
My ship sails in on a cloud of broken promises
It's just not true not a single word she says Time will tell whether she can change her ways It might take years, it might even take always Tell me what you see in me I'll tell you what I see in you Your picture melts before my tired eyes And all it leaves is just a trace of paradise You'll change again that's what I've been told But don't take long I might get too old Tell me what you see in me I'll tell you what I see in you Take it easy but take it slow For who knows which way next that wind will blow Time goes by just as quickly as I want it to And I'll make out like I never knew Tell me what you see in me I'll tell you what I see in you |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
She leaned forward in the lamplight
In her eyes an amber glow She was promising the earth And yet somehow saying no We talked of pleasant summer days Kew Gardens, Hampton Court The jewellers where we bought the ring that bound us close together Oh, how she changed with ever passing day In the swirling misty morning As the day begins to break In the heavy dew her footsteps I am floundering in her wake Oh, how she changed with every passing day The shutters of indifference Have closed to bar the view A person I once knew Oh, how she changed with every passing day |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
The fragile gentle butterfly with multi-coloured wings
Settles on the toadstools in the midst of fairy rings Midsummer sounds of tinkle bells as sweet Titania sings Or am I dreaming? Or am I dreaming? And I will have a castle with a drawbridge and a moat And light my open fires with a brand new five pound note And go off on a winter cruise in a bright red sailing boat Or am I dreaming? Or am I dreaming? Pick the golden casket and you'll get what you deserve Yards of pure white chiffon falling in a graceful curve Crystal-clear cut chandeliers, orchids in a bowl Mulled wine by the fire and the finest ermine stole The water melon moon makes gentle progress in the sky Upside down it's floating as the satellites go by And you can hold a conversation if you're not too high Or am I dreaming? Or am I dreaming? The magic mountain music man Is really rather shy Or am I dreaming? |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
Cousins
Wake up one day, you're left alone From now on you're on your own The sands of time are running low You'll have nothing left to show The months slip by and change to years Soon the twilight gloom appears And then one day before you know You'll have nothing left to show. Where is this dream of your youth ? The pictures on the walls are shaking They can hear the storm a-breaking Storms may come and storms may go You'll have nothing left to show Buildings all around are trembling They can hear the earth a-rumbling Buildings come and buildings go You'll have nothing left to show. Where is this dream of your youth ? Tomorrow brings another dawn It might be better from now on Before too long that day will go You'll have nothing left to show You'll have nothing left to show You'll have nothing left to show You'll have nothing left to show You'll have nothing left to show. Where is this dream of your youth ? |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
Jimmy Wilson had a glass eye I could see it
And he stuttered sometimes And he needed a girlfriend nighttimes Didn't know how to go about it Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson All the boys used to tease him I know I did it And he was my friend At school we were always close together Hardly a day I didn't see him Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson He used to go out for walks on his own With no-one to talk to at all He'd walk in the park 'til the evening grew dark Feeling quite incredibly small He was sitting in the park one Sunday evening Around about five When along came a lady, a total stranger Wanted young Jimmy to go with her Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson Well she was so persuasive and seemed quite friendly So he went along And the lady who was lonely gave him tea And she was his friend forever after Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
In the early dawn the Bishop's men
Shivered in the damp But the shiver came not from the cold And spread throughout the camp The trembling horses sensed the fear Of silent thoughtful men Who prayed that wives and families Might see them once again The Bishops sent a dawn patrol To investigate the weight Of forces at the King's command Ensconced behind the gate The ground mist hid the patrol's approach As they drew close enough to show The sentries on the battlements And an archer drew his bow From the topmost tower a sentry fell As an arrow pierced his skull And his headlong flight into the moat Seemed that of a gull The patrol reported little There was nothing much to see But the strong and silent castle A symbol of the free The King's men took communion As the first rays of the sun Lit up the chapel's gloomy walls The fatal day begun From the castle green the rooks took flight To the high trees in the east To their carrion minds the battlefield Set a table for a feast A tide of black, the Bishop's men Equality their right Swarmed like ants across the hill Their aim at last in sight The King's men dressed in purest white Were driven back by force And the fighting grew more violent As the battle took its course The Bishops gave the order "No mercy to be shown The sacrifice will reap rewards When the King is overthrown" The sight of children lying dead Made hardened soldiers weep The outer walls began to fall They moved towards the keep The rooks surveyed the battlefield Their hungry beady eyes Revelled in the sight of death Showing no surprise The pressure mounted steadily As the Bishops neared the gate And the desperate King called to his knights "It's your lives or the state" When the anxious King began to fail As many thought he might The Queen ran screaming round the walls And urged the men to fight The Bishops' men were tiring As the afternoon grew late And the King's men lowered the drawbridge And poured out through the gate They fought their way across the bridge The men like falling leaves Or ears of corn that fall in swathes The vicious sickle cleaves The tide receded up the hill The waste of reclaimed land Once decaying swamp became A shore of pure white sand A blinded priest was seen to bless Both dying and the dead As he stumbled through the battlefield His cassock running red If uniform were black or white His eyes could never see And death made no distinction Whatever man he be As darkness fell both camps withdrew Their soldiers slain like cattle Leaving the rooks to feast alone The victors of the battle At evensong the camps reviewed Their sad depleted ranks As survivors of the battle Gave God their grateful thanks |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
Jimmy Wilson had a glass eye I could see it
And he stuttered sometimes And he needed a girlfriend nighttimes Didn't know how to go about it Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson All the boys used to tease him I know I did it And he was my friend At school we were always close together Hardly a day I didn't see him Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson He used to go out for walks on his own With no-one to talk to at all He'd walk in the park 'til the evening grew dark Feeling quite incredibly small He was sitting in the park one Sunday evening Around about five When along came a lady, a total stranger Wanted young Jimmy to go with her Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson Well she was so persuasive and seemed quite friendly So he went along And the lady who was lonely gave him tea And she was his friend forever after Poor Jimmy Wilson Poor Jimmy Wilson |
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from Strawbs - Strawbs[Remastered] (2008)
In the early dawn the Bishop's men
Shivered in the damp But the shiver came not from the cold And spread throughout the camp The trembling horses sensed the fear Of silent thoughtful men Who prayed that wives and families Might see them once again The Bishops sent a dawn patrol To investigate the weight Of forces at the King's command Ensconced behind the gate The ground mist hid the patrol's approach As they drew close enough to show The sentries on the battlements And an archer drew his bow From the topmost tower a sentry fell As an arrow pierced his skull And his headlong flight into the moat Seemed that of a gull The patrol reported little There was nothing much to see But the strong and silent castle A symbol of the free The King's men took communion As the first rays of the sun Lit up the chapel's gloomy walls The fatal day begun From the castle green the rooks took flight To the high trees in the east To their carrion minds the battlefield Set a table for a feast A tide of black, the Bishop's men Equality their right Swarmed like ants across the hill Their aim at last in sight The King's men dressed in purest white Were driven back by force And the fighting grew more violent As the battle took its course The Bishops gave the order "No mercy to be shown The sacrifice will reap rewards When the King is overthrown" The sight of children lying dead Made hardened soldiers weep The outer walls began to fall They moved towards the keep The rooks surveyed the battlefield Their hungry beady eyes Revelled in the sight of death Showing no surprise The pressure mounted steadily As the Bishops neared the gate And the desperate King called to his knights "It's your lives or the state" When the anxious King began to fail As many thought he might The Queen ran screaming round the walls And urged the men to fight The Bishops' men were tiring As the afternoon grew late And the King's men lowered the drawbridge And poured out through the gate They fought their way across the bridge The men like falling leaves Or ears of corn that fall in swathes The vicious sickle cleaves The tide receded up the hill The waste of reclaimed land Once decaying swamp became A shore of pure white sand A blinded priest was seen to bless Both dying and the dead As he stumbled through the battlefield His cassock running red If uniform were black or white His eyes could never see And death made no distinction Whatever man he be As darkness fell both camps withdrew Their soldiers slain like cattle Leaving the rooks to feast alone The victors of the battle At evensong the camps reviewed Their sad depleted ranks As survivors of the battle Gave God their grateful thanks |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins-Cronk
Hold me tight, we've got a way to go tonight We tore ourselves apart in spite of all the promises we made Name your price but take a note of my advice Don't ever make a sacrifice without a chance of being paid. No return, you've reached the point of no return You lit the fire and let it burn You've reached the point of no return. Right or wrong, I was with you all along But now you're back where you belong among your family and friends Make or break, we really made a big mistake There's one decision left to take and that is how the story ends. No return, you've reached the point of no return You lit the fire and let it burn You've reached the point of no return, no return. Through my life is a mystery, my heart is an open page If only you would choose to read between the lines of age. No return, you've reached the point of no return No return, you lit the fire and let it burn No return, you've reached the point of no return No return, you lit the fire and let it burn No return, you've reached the point of no return No return, you lit the fire .. |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins-Lambert-Cronk
Joey and me were out on the freeway leaving the city race Out of the hustle, into the country, searching for open space Shoulder to shoulder, mile for mile, but neither of us knew where Sleeping at night out under the stars, inhaling the mountain air. Under the open skies, living in paradise Joey and me were free Nobody else allowed, anyone more's a crowd Joey and me makes three. Often we talked of wasting our time and bridges that we had crossed But mostly we looked in vain for ourselves forgetting that we were lost Joey and me were two of a kind in love with our own ideals Aiming to keep the gathering years in pace with our rolling wheels. Under the open skies, living in paradise Joey and me were free Nobody else allowed, anyone more's a crowd Joey and me makes three. Let me tell you how it all went wrong How me and Joey didn't belong We were tripping the light fantastic (Intergalactic) Joey and me. The wilderness road had taken its toll, I knew I could never last The lines had gone down in a flurry of snow, the winter was on us fast I made my way back into the city, hitched to a guiding star Joey is out on his own again, he's richer than me by far. Under the open skies, living in paradise Joey and me were free Nobody else allowed, anyone more's a crowd Joey and me makes three. Under the open skies, living in paradise Joey and me were free Nobody else allowed, anyone more's a crowd Joey and me makes three. Under the open skies, living in paradise Joey and me were free Nobody else allowed, anyone more's a crowd Joey and me makes three. … |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins
I must have been the saddest man who ever wrote a love song For when I spoke of ways and means, I knew it would not last long After all the years, the growing pains and heartaches I swore that I would die for you and sealed it with a traitor's kiss. We must have been a crazy pair to think we'd stay together I hope you find your own new world and make it last forever You gave me your best, I gave you all my worst years I swore that I would die for you and sealed it with a traitor's kiss. Thank you for your sympathy God bless you for your kindness I'm sure that as the years roll by You'll understand my sadness. I can't have been the only man who ever wrote a song for you. Take care of the kids, I didn't want to hurt them I swore that I would die for you and sealed it with a traitor's kiss. |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins-Lambert-Cronk
This is the last resort you'll ever know The old straight track, the long way back One more familiar face has gone Will you miss me ? I doubt it. There are many more at the last resort There are many more at the last resort. This is the last resort you'll ever take The summer old, the winter cold And now the seasons will never change Will you miss me ? I doubt it. There are many more at the last resort There are many more at the last resort. This is the last resort, it's make or break The ray of hope, the silken rope, your feet are on the endless slope Just one more chance to touch the sun Will you miss me ? I doubt it, the damage has been done. This is the last resort you'll ever know The lights are down on you favourite clown The time has come, the final bow Will you miss me ? I doubt it. There are many more at the last resort There are many more at the last resort There are many more at the last resort There are many more at the last resort. |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins-Cronk
Time is the power, the enemy hour The soul survivor of the news, the headlines Life is a friend, I value its end For I can take it when I choose, the deadlines. Time and life will meet at dawn The swords have been drawn for the takers. Time has no heart, it wins from the start Was I so foolish as to try to ignore it ? Life is complete and proud in defeat At last I understand why I adore it. Time and life fight to the end But life has to bend to her makers. Time and life will meet at dawn The swords have been drawn for the takers Time and life fight to the end But life has to bend to her makers Time and life will meet at dawn The swords have been drawn for the takers Time and life fight to the end But life has to bend to her makers Time and life will meet at dawn The swords have been drawn for the takers Time and life fight to the end But life has to bend. |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins-Lambert
I see myself reborn in every generation I took to children for my source and my salvation And I will build my house of rock on their foundation stone. I can see the new beginning The universal loser winning I can hear the children singing Making a date with tomorrow. Once I was blinded by the light of my reflection The mirror's eyes were moist with tears of deep affection I could not see my way to make the last connection home. I can see the new beginning The universal loser winning I can hear the children singing Making a date with tomorrow. The leaves of my life have been falling And time rolls along like a wheel The innocent games that we once played as kids are for real. I can see the new beginning The universal loser winning I can hear the children singing Making a date with tomorrow. I can see the new beginning The universal loser winning I can hear the children singing Making a date with tomorrow. I can see the new beginning The universal loser winning I can hear the children singing Making a date with tomorrow. |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins
The silent prophet seeks his inspiration after midnight With a candle lit for comfort in the shadow of the shade Belladonna waves a parasol beneath the window So enchanting and inviting in the scheme that she had laid. The lonely prophet waves to Belladonna from the window In the hope that she will notice and may wish to know his name But cruel Belladonna turns to face the waiting sunrise With its promise of excitement thinking little of the game. Shine your lantern brightly Do not heed the darkness lightly We must always talk politely In the presence of the night. Deadly nightshade, hear me calling Shadows of the evening falling down. The quiet prophet gathers up his papers for the fire He alone will read the message in the words that he has burned Belladonna tries the door to find the room is empty And she coldly rakes the ashes for the love that she has spurned. Shine your lantern brightly Do not heed the darkness lightly We must always talk politely In the presence of the night. Deadly nightshade, hear me calling Shadows of the evening falling down. Deadly nightshade, hear me calling Shadows of the evening falling down. |
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from Strawbs - Deadlines (1998)
Cousins
The wise man came in deep disguise All the way from Mexico We sat in circles on the ground And listened to his words of wisdom He spoke of unclimbed mountain ranges And plains that stretched beyond the point of no return (no return). We talked in terms of solitude And parted with respect Realising that the world held a place for us both Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, somewhere. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Lay down, I lay me down
Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. By still waters I lay down with the lambs In pastures green I made peace with my soul And I cared not for the night While my guiding star shone bright By still waters I lay down I lay down. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. At the roadside I took toll of my times From dirty streets I gained peace for my soul May the merciful be right Are you ready for the night At the roadside I lay down I lay down. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. In deep sorrow I took flight with the sun From mountains high I gained strength for my soul I proved stronger than the test When my spirit came to rest In deep sorrow I lay down I lay down. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
The sharper is the berry
The sweeter is the wine The longer we are parted The sooner you are mine (You are mine) Lovely lemon lady You make me feel so shy But lovely lemon lady I love your lemon pie (I love your lemon pie) The stronger the deception The lesser grow my lies The shallower the whole truth The deeper are my eyes (Are my eyes) Lovely lemon lady You make me feel so shy But lovely lemon lady I love your lemon pie Bitter lemon lady smile I'll see you in a little while Lemon lady sweet and sour You have me in your lemon power My lemon pie The simpler the solution The more that it will mean The greater the resistance The further I will lean (I will lean) Lovely lemon lady You make me feel so shy But lovely lemon lady I love your lemon pie (I love your lemon pie) Lemon, lemon pie (repeated in a round until end) |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
A child denied all love can't weep But bravely bears her life alone So Fuchsia as you try to sleep You dream of friends you've never known In troubled years when no-one cared You searched for comfort everywhere For heavy burdens never shared Became too much for one to bear So much to give But those who live Don't know of you Your fantasy Of love to be Cannot come true Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia Now poised above the castle walls You look your last on lonely skies Night owls pray for you as they call Returning ere the dawn shall rise Your loveless life Has led you here Not knowing why Your troubled mind's No longer clear To live or die Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
The hillside was a patchwork quilt
Neatly stitched with tidy hedge And crumbling grey stone wall The trees were bare, but Spring was near To conjure up its endless strings Of green magic handkerchieves Could you only see what I've seen You would surely know what I mean I think I must have caught a glimpse of heaven. A string of diamonds formed a stream That tumbled down the daunting cliff To sparkle bright on the beach. New born lambs that sweetly played Speckled eggs all newly laid But for you I would have stayed I think I must have caught a glimpse of heaven |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
The village square stands quiet with the curfew still in force
The streets are even clear of dogs and whores Like some evil bird of prey the scaffold spreads its wings The people build their fires and bolt their doors The mayor is giving dinner to the officers and wives His eldest son is learning how to fawn The barrack block is hushed and tense, the soldiers drawing lots Who will be the hangman in the dawn. The lot falls on a young man who has served for but a year His home is in the village close nearby He shivers at the thought of what he's forced to do next day He wonders who it is that has to die The full moon casts a cold light on the gloomy prison walls The papist walk his cell, he cannot sleep He hears the waiting gallows creaking just beyond the door He prays for he has no more tears to weep. The day begins to break, the muffled drums begin to sound A crowd begins to gather in the square The presence of the hangman in his terrifying mask Weighs heavy on the minds of all those there The colonel reads the sentence which the papist knows by heart He has failed to show allegiance to the King His crime is thus with God himself, in His name he must hang The papist, head held high, says not a thing. The jailer binds his hands and puts the blindfold to his eyes He leads him through the door before the crowd The hangman sees his victim and the blood drains from his face He sees his younger brother standing proud The hangman tries to protest but is ordered to proceed His trembling hands begin to take the strain His eyes are blind with streaming tears, he cries for all to hear "Forgive me God, we hang him in thy name!" |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
There's blood in the dust where the city's heart beats The children play games that they take from the streets How can you teach when you've so much to learn ? May you turn, may you turn, may you turn, may you turn May you turn, may you turn in your grave new world ? There is hate in your eyes, I have seen it before Planning destruction behind the locked door Were you the coward who fired the last shot ? May you rot, may you rot, may you rot, may you rot May you rot, may you rot in your grave new world ? There is death in the air with the lights growing dim As those who survive sing a desperate hymn Pray that God grants you one final request May you rest, may you rest, may you rest, may you rest May you rest, may you rest in your grave new world ? |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
I drew the blade across my wrist to see how it would feel Looked into the future, there was nothing to reveal For we were just the product of the ever spinning wheel. Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round and round we go. Come and see me when the screw has turned another turn It's not that I'm confused but I've an awful lot to learn But I will be the one to make you work for what you earn. Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round and round we go. After all it's just the revolution I despise The dawn of revelations and the flower power prize I pity those poor children with no sunshine in their eyes Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round we go Round and round and round we go. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins-Cronk
It takes a little sunshine, it takes a little rain It takes a little laughter, it takes a little pain But I can take the heartaches I only want my love to grow in you. It takes a little kindness, it takes a little tears It takes some understanding to last so many years But I can take the changes I only want my love to grow in you. I'll hang in on you while you hang out on me I know you have your reasons for needing to be free Why don't we talk it over and find out where we stand ? In my old-fashioned way I'll always lend a helping hand. It takes the joy of knowing that even if we're poor We somehow turn out richer than we ever were before Now I don't need much money I only want my love to grow in you. I don't need much money I only want my love to grow in you I only want my love to grow in you I only want my love to grow in you. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
The wanderer has far to go Humble must he constant be Where the paths of wisdom Distant is the shadow of the setting sun. Bless the daytime, bless the night Bless the sun which gives us light Bless the thunder, bless the rain Bless all those who cause us pain. Yellow stars may lead the way All diversions lead astray While his resolution holds Fortune and good will will surely follow him. Bless the free man, bless the slave Bless the hero in his grave Bless the soldier, bless the saint Bless all those whose hearts grow faint. Bless the daytime, bless the night Bless the sun which gives us light Bless the thunder, bless the rain Bless all those who cause us pain. Bless the free man, bless the slave Bless the hero in his grave Bless the soldier, bless the saint Bless all those whose hearts grow faint. Bless the daytime, bless the night Bless the sun which gives us light Bless the thunder, bless the rain Bless all those who cause us pain. Bless the free man, bless the slave Bless the hero in his grave Bless the soldier, bless the saint Bless all those whose hearts grow faint. … |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
Hero's face was gaunt and tanned, his sail was set in search of land His life-raft, solely by him manned was guided by the tide Heroine wore fleecy white, she beckoned like some saviour bright Shipwrecked sailors in the night were bid welcome to her side. Where one man's search must surely cease, the irresistible white fleece Led Hero in search of the peace which she alone could offer Thus he knelt before her feet wary lest their eyes should meet He knew his life was incomplete for he had yet to suffer. Enticing Heroine so calm took Hero firmly by the arm Told him that she meant no harm, that she alone could save him Hero could no longer speak while realising he was weak His life increasingly grew bleak for all the love she gave to him. While storm clouds gathered high above, the Heroine he grew to love Turned slowly to a snow white dove and spread her wings to fly Crushed and broken in the end, Hero watched his soul ascend Knowing that he was condemned to sail all alone to die. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
She looks so frail beside you as she wears her sick disguise You say she'll soon be better as you dry her tearful eyes You tell her fairy stories, she tries to understand She looks to you for comfort and holds out her little hand. But early in the morning when the sun shines into her tiny room She wakes up like a bird and she's fine again. You gently kiss her forehead and from the room you creep But you linger in the doorway as she whimpers in her sleep Her cheeks are flushed like sunset and her head's an open fire All night she turns and tosses as her temperature gets higher. But early in the morning when the sun shines into her tiny room She wakes up like a bird and she's fine again. The night light in the corner casts a soft and peaceful glow Her face becomes much cooler and her breathing much more slow She dreams of clowns and princes sailing boats and trains The fairies come by moonlight to take away her pain. And early in the morning when the sun shines into her tiny room She wakes up like a bird and she's fine again She wakes up like a bird and she feels fine She wakes up like a bird and she feels fine She wakes up like a bird and she feels fine. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
The gilt-edged invitation came and I said : 'What can this mean ?' 'To attend the coronation as the first guest of the Queen' 'And sit upon her right hand where the Prince is normally seen ?' The maids of honour stared at me and registered surprise To see a man of such good taste appear before their eyes Now bring rather humble, I adopted a disguise As the Minister of State for Mass Environment Controls Who condemn the working classes for inhabiting the holes That belong to Queen and Country but do not permit their souls To be free like me To be free like me Oh to be free. The perspex chandelier began to melt and slip away One million candle-powered, it kept the night at bay While the power station workers were busy making hay The workers in the fields were engaged in self-defence Which involved the use of barbed wire as a self-containing fence But as a means of self-protection, it was needlessly immense I stopped to ask them for a light, they pointed at the sun Which raised their hopes of harvesting a better crop than guns Can ever mass produce at the expense of anyone Who is free like me Who is free like me Oh who is free. The solitary peasant in his home above the lake Raised high on wooden stilts, has made the singular mistake Of revolutionary conduct at the celebration wake His urban counterpart engaged in mundane occupation Enjoys the chance of laughing at the Queen's humiliation At the hands of Ministers of State for Rehabilitation Now the power station worker though his aim is too disjointed Finds himself around the corner while his gun is never pointed He is ever at the ready, he desires to be annointed And be free like me And be free like me And be free like me Oh and be free. |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Now I'm a union man
Amazed at what I am I say what I think, that the company stinks Yes I'm a union man When we meet in the local hall I'll be voting with them all With a hell of a shout, it's "Out brothers, out!" And the rise of the factory's fall Oh, you don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die The union has made me wise To the lies of the company spies And I don't get fooled by the factory rules 'cause I always read between the lines And I always get my way If I strike for higher pay When I show my card to the Scotland Yard And this is what I say: Oh, oh, you don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die Before the union did appear My life was half as clear Now I've got the power to the working hour And every other day of the year So though I'm a working man I can ruin the government's plan And though I'm not hard, the sight of my card Makes me some kind of superman Oh, oh, oh, you don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die |
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from Strawbs - A Choice Selection Of Strawbs (1999)
Cousins
Maybe you think, a lot like me Of those who live beside the sea Who feel so free, so I surmise With their comfortable homes and wives Who end up drinking tea together In the afternoon of their lives. They build their homes upon the seashore The quicksand castles of their dreams Yet take no notice of the North wind Which tears their buildings at the seams. In their dismay and blind confusion The weeping widows clutch their shawls While as the sea mist ever deepens The sailors hear the sirens' calls. And in the maelstrom sea which follows The lifeboat sinks without a trace And yet there still remain survivors To bear the shame of their disgrace. Last night I lay in bed and held myself Trying to remember how it once was with you How your hands were softer. Yesterday I found myself staring into space Rather like the sailor in my own home surroundings I'm not sure I know me. If you were me, what would you do ? Don't tell me I don't need you to It won't help me now. If you were me, what would you do ? Don't tell me I don't need you to It won't help me now. |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Cousins
The wanderer has far to go Humble must he constant be Where the paths of wisdom Distant is the shadow of the setting sun. Bless the daytime, bless the night Bless the sun which gives us light Bless the thunder, bless the rain Bless all those who cause us pain. Yellow stars may lead the way All diversions lead astray While his resolution holds Fortune and good will will surely follow him. Bless the free man, bless the slave Bless the hero in his grave Bless the soldier, bless the saint Bless all those whose hearts grow faint. Bless the daytime, bless the night Bless the sun which gives us light Bless the thunder, bless the rain Bless all those who cause us pain. Bless the free man, bless the slave Bless the hero in his grave Bless the soldier, bless the saint Bless all those whose hearts grow faint. Bless the daytime, bless the night Bless the sun which gives us light Bless the thunder, bless the rain Bless all those who cause us pain. Bless the free man, bless the slave Bless the hero in his grave Bless the soldier, bless the saint Bless all those whose hearts grow faint. … |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Cousins
Spoke the Queen of Dreams, I was Lord of the Forest Walked within her paths, sheltered within her bowers Pine needles for my pillow, the dove my only true friend I was Lord of the Forest. Spoke the Queen of Souls, I was Lord of the Ocean Swam beneath her waves, sheltered within her shipwrecks Precious gifts I bring you from rusting hulls of the deep I was Lord of the Ocean. Spoke the Queen of Heads, I was Lord of the Mountains Scaled her highest peaks, sheltered within her valleys Climb high upon my shoulders, I will show you the world I was Lord of the Mountains. I had no head for heights but close my eyes to make the climb Oh Queen of Dreams Oh Queen of Souls Oh Queen of Heads It's time. |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Ford
Crowded afternoon and there's not enough room in the city today The people assembled to hear what resembled evangelists say Some came just to see them for a laugh, others to be free Fools must pretend to be wise, we've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Tears from the crowd with men crying aloud or just ringing their hands The love in their hearts at this joining of people from far away lands I'd so many questions I could ask, I wanted to be free Fools must pretend to be wise, we've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Cheers from the crowd for a much-loved constituent lately arrived Here's to the soul of the man who takes toll for just staying alive Can't ignore the feeling in the air, glad that I was there Fools must pretend to be wise, we've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Evening drew on with a change of opinion from left wing and right And North accused South who were left little doubt that they needed to fight I cannot begin to understand the suffering tonight Fools must pretend to be wise Fools must pretend to be wise Fools must pretend to be wise, we've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Cousins
There's blood in the dust where the city's heart beats The children play games that they take from the streets How can you teach when you've so much to learn ? May you turn, may you turn, may you turn, may you turn May you turn, may you turn in your grave new world ? There is hate in your eyes, I have seen it before Planning destruction behind the locked door Were you the coward who fired the last shot ? May you rot, may you rot, may you rot, may you rot May you rot, may you rot in your grave new world ? There is death in the air with the lights growing dim As those who survive sing a desperate hymn Pray that God grants you one final request May you rest, may you rest, may you rest, may you rest May you rest, may you rest in your grave new world ? |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Strawbs
You talked of me with acid tongue And pointed trembling spiteful hands Your presence almost overwhelmed. When Mother Nature tends her young She comforts each and every one The flower sheds its seeds and flourishes. But now I walk a mile high, my shoulders in the clouds I have seen the sun break through, I'll speak my thoughts aloud sometime For now I see tomorrow just as clearly as I see today While yesterday which meant so much has grown so far away. |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Cousins
The scarecrow stood with its head held high admiring the view from the hill The waterfall scattered its glistening jewels as the heron stood gracefully still It seemed I looked without seeing, I failed to grasp what I saw For all of Nature's beautiful gifts I blissfully chose to ignore. As sandy beaches and soft swelling tides invite the inquisitive young And caviar, oysters and pate de foie invite the discerning tongue So comes the desire to be lost awhile in the depths of the forest glade Midst the cool deep greens where ancient oaks cast wondrous spells in their shade. And if sometimes I feel in retrospect a regret for the waste of my youth Then I pause to reflect that I still have time before growing long in the tooth To achieve all the things that I should have achieved when idleness led me astray And being aware of what I have missed, I'm extending my use of the day. |
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from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999)
Hudson
Half light appears shading in the weary days Darkness draws near spreading chills in endless ways Death holds no fear for those who see clear Is it today, Lord, that I'll reach you ? Is it today, Lord, that I'll reach you ? Old minds gain will strengthened by their silent prayer New seekers still searching for you everywhere Some find the way to reach you and say Is it today, Lord, that I'll see you ? Is it today, Lord, that I'll reach you ? |
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| from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999) | |||||
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| from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999) | |||||
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| from Strawbs - Grave New World (1999) | |||||
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
I sense Autumn coming on 가을이 다가오는게 느껴져요 The mist has hung low all day 온 종일 안개가 낮게 깔리고 Small birds gather on the wing 작은 새들은 모여서 Preparing to make their way 길 떠날 채비를 해요 The trees begin to show 나무가 초록빛 사이로 A trace of brown among the green 갈색 자욱을 보이기 시작하니 Bringing back the memories 오직 당신과 나만이 간직했던 That only you and I have seen 그 추억이 떠올라요 I sense Autumn coming on 다가오는 가을이 느껴져요 The sun sinking red and deep 태양은 붉게 물들어 기울어가고 The fires burning in the fields 들판에는 불꽃이 타올라요 As late Summer falls asleep 늦여름도 이제 지려나 봐요 The leaves begin to scatter As the North wind calls their name 북풍이 부르는 소리에 낙엽은 흩어지기 시작하고 Folding gently back into the silent earth From which they came 낙엽의 고향인 침묵의 대지로 살며시 접어들고 있어요 The Winter Long 기나 긴 겨울 Still waters flow 여전히 냇물은 흐르고 Sea breezes blow 바닷바람도 불어 와요 Wild flowers grow 발 아래에는 야생화가 Abundant at your feet 무성하게 자라고 있어요 Soft falling snow 살포시 내리는 눈 Warm candle glow 따사로이 빛나는 촛불 Flushed faces show 우리가 만났을 적 The pleasure when we meet 설레임을 떠올리는 상기된 얼굴 Hold on to me 내게 기대요 I'll hold on to you 난 당신께 기댈께요 The winter long 기나 긴 겨울 동안 I will always be with you 언제나 당신 곁에 있겠어요 Hold on to me 내게 기대요 I'll hold on to you 난 당신께 기댈께요 I will be the one 당신을 돌보아 줄 Who will always see you through 단 한 사람이 되겠어요 |
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| from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999) | |||||
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Lambert
I can see you through my window with the world you just go passing by I can hear you in my garden waiting for my flowers all to die Nothing in here is real, nothing in here is real No matter how I try, I can't get you out of my mind. It's just love Don't try to understand it, you can't put your arms around it, you might never be the same It's just love Don't try to comprehend it, if you've money you'd best spend it, you might never love again. There's your face right in my mirror, I can hear you calling out my name Feel your hand upon my shoulder, will I ever be the same again ? Nothing in here is real, nothing in here is real No matter how I try, I can't get you out of my mind. It's just love Don't try to understand it, you can't put your arms around it, you might never be the same It's just love Don't try to comprehend it, if you've money you'd best spend it, you might never love again. Without your song, something's gone Something good enough to hang your heart on. If you call me I will answer, you will always be my helping hand And if I need you in my darkness, I know you will always understand Nothing in here is real, nothing in here is real No matter how I try, I can't get you out of my mind. It's just love Don't try to understand it, you can't put your arms around it, you might never be the same It's just love Don't try to comprehend it, if you've money you'd best spend it, you might never love again It's just love, it's just love, it's just love, it's just love, it's just love ... |
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Cousins
Once I sat upon a hill to watch the world go by My friend the young magician had forbidden me to cry But I was the comedian with the laughs in short supply. Shine on silver sun, shine on everyone Shine on silver sun, shine on. The sunlight filtered softly through the pale and watery sky To catch the mirrored salmon as it rose to take the fly The flowers on the riverbank were left alone to die. Shine on silver sun, shine on everyone Shine on silver sun, shine on. The church bells sounded midnight as I rose to say goodbye And a solitary tear fell from the corner of my eye. Shine on silver sun, shine on everyone Shine on silver sun, shine on everyone Shine on silver sun, shine on everyone Shine on silver sun, shine on, shine on. |
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Cousins-Cronk
I have seen the midnight sun shining I saw you fly away smiling The dark night sheds no light It merely serves a warning I pray for one single ray of hope Oh midnight sun. I have seen the midnight sun shining Watched her rays steadily dying The candles are alight I sit alone in mourning I wonder, is there death after life ? Oh midnight sun. While in my life, I have loved, I have lost I feel no warmth from your days. Yet I have seen the midnight sun shining Welcomed her full golden lining For when I have to fight To wake up in the morning I look to her for her open arms Oh midnight sun Oh midnight sun. |
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Cousins
I walked in the city at midday, it was empty and bare I looked in the mirror at midnight, there was nobody there. You had become the very breath that I breathed You were all I desired, my will to succeed But now I know how it feels to be old out in the cold. I walked in the city at midday, it was feeling the strain I looked in the mirror at midnight, it was starting to rain. I sucked on your breasts, your legs opened wide I could scarcely believe all the pleasures inside But now I know how it feels to be old out in the cold. Whoever believed in astrological signs Under my eyes your name burns in the lines For now I know how it feels to be old out in the cold, out in the cold. |
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Cousins
I drew the blade across my wrist to see how it would feel Looked into the future, there was nothing to reveal For we were just the product of the ever spinning wheel. Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round and round we go. Come and see me when the screw has turned another turn It's not that I'm confused but I've an awful lot to learn But I will be the one to make you work for what you earn. Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round and round we go. After all it's just the revolution I despise The dawn of revelations and the flower power prize I pity those poor children with no sunshine in their eyes Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round we go Round and round and round we go Round and round we go Round and round and round we go. |
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Cousins
Watch my hand, see it shakes, trembling as my life blood bleeds Comfortless, superfakes, offering their empty creeds That have no faith or substance, that change to suit the doubter To satisfy his needs. Rid me of my darkness, lay a little light on me Clothe me with your brightness, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me. Growing boys, masturbate, drink the wine and take the bread Saintly priests, castigate, holy water for the head With shades of John the Baptist who came intent to rescue But danced with death instead. Rid me of my darkness, lay a little light on me Clothe me with your brightness, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me. Bless the good, curse the bad, some are wise, others mad Phoney propheteers suitably seeming sad Preparing for the kingdom Annointing us with wisdom Convinced that we'll be glad. Rid me of my darkness, lay a little light on me Clothe me with your brightness, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me. |
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from Strawbs - Hero And Heroine (1999)
Cousins
Watch my hand, see it shakes, trembling as my life blood bleeds Comfortless, superfakes, offering their empty creeds That have no faith or substance, that change to suit the doubter To satisfy his needs. Rid me of my darkness, lay a little light on me Clothe me with your brightness, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me. Growing boys, masturbate, drink the wine and take the bread Saintly priests, castigate, holy water for the head With shades of John the Baptist who came intent to rescue But danced with death instead. Rid me of my darkness, lay a little light on me Clothe me with your brightness, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me. Bless the good, curse the bad, some are wise, others mad Phoney propheteers suitably seeming sad Preparing for the kingdom Annointing us with wisdom Convinced that we'll be glad. Rid me of my darkness, lay a little light on me Clothe me with your brightness, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me Oh save me someone, lay a little light on me. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Cousins
Young boy that I know feels he has lived too long His spirit of adventure slipped away With little sense of pride, he feels deep down inside. He is flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again. Young girl that I know feels she has lost her way Her only chance of love once passed her by But little does she know, this is hardly so. She is flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again. And just as in the willow patter fantasy The boy and girl have crossed the bridge of tears And like the birds above, they are sending down their love. Flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again Flying, flying, flying to be free again. Dying, dying, dying to be free again Dying, dying, dying to be free again. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
A child denied all love can't weep But bravely bears her life alone So Fuchsia as you try to sleep You dream of friends you've never known In troubled years when no-one cared You searched for comfort everywhere For heavy burdens never shared Became too much for one to bear So much to give But those who live Don't know of you Your fantasy Of love to be Cannot come true Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia Now poised above the castle walls You look your last on lonely skies Night owls pray for you as they call Returning ere the dawn shall rise Your loveless life Has led you here Not knowing why Your troubled mind's No longer clear To live or die Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia Oh Lady Fuchsia |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Cousins
The night sky hung so heavy The wet road shone so bright Reflecting back my headlights As I drove on in the night to stormy down. I drew into a lay-by My eyes were dark with strain Turning up my collar I walked out in the rain on stormy down. Oh I was high on stormy down Thinking of my friends below But they had gone some other way They did not want to know about stormy down. I thought I saw the devil In the branches of a tree It was just imagination But he looked a bit like me on stormy down. Hey I was high on stormy down Thinking of my friends below But they had gone some other way They did not want to know about stormy down About stormy down, about stormy down. The cold moon drew strange faces On a slowly changing cloud One looked like God the father And I shouted right out loud on stormy down. Oh I was high on stormy down Thinking of my friends below But they had gone some other way They did not want to know about stormy down About stormy down, about stormy down Stormy down, stormy down ... |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Cousins
I made a sideways motion, turning a new leaf The single minded miner's girl was there to share my grief I shivered in the butter wind, three times the cockerel crowed I waited for the river but the river did not flow. An autumn turned to silver, winter turned to gold The weatherman said : 'Dress up' - oh but I did not feel the cold Kids waited with toboggans as I sheltered from the snow I waited for the river but the river did not flow. I will drink the milk from you breasts, meld myself to you Collect the valley lilies the worshippers once strew My body aches with hunger, yet your belly has to grow I waited for the river but the river did not flow. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Cousins
Maybe you think, a lot like me Of those who live beside the sea Who feel so free, so I surmise With their comfortable homes and wives Who end up drinking tea together In the afternoon of their lives. They build their homes upon the seashore The quicksand castles of their dreams Yet take no notice of the North wind Which tears their buildings at the seams. In their dismay and blind confusion The weeping widows clutch their shawls While as the sea mist ever deepens The sailors hear the sirens' calls. And in the maelstrom sea which follows The lifeboat sinks without a trace And yet there still remain survivors To bear the shame of their disgrace. Last night I lay in bed and held myself Trying to remember how it once was with you How your hands were softer. Yesterday I found myself staring into space Rather like the sailor in my own home surroundings I'm not sure I know me. If you were me, what would you do ? Don't tell me I don't need you to It won't help me now. If you were me, what would you do ? Don't tell me I don't need you to It won't help me now. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Now I'm a union man
Amazed at what I am I say what I think, that the company stinks Yes I'm a union man When we meet in the local hall I'll be voting with them all With a hell of a shout, it's "Out brothers, out!" And the rise of the factory's fall Oh, you don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die The union has made me wise To the lies of the company spies And I don't get fooled by the factory rules 'cause I always read between the lines And I always get my way If I strike for higher pay When I show my card to the Scotland Yard And this is what I say: Oh, oh, you don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die Before the union did appear My life was half as clear Now I've got the power to the working hour And every other day of the year So though I'm a working man I can ruin the government's plan And though I'm not hard, the sight of my card Makes me some kind of superman Oh, oh, oh, you don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union You don't get me, I'm part of the union Until the day I die Until the day I die |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
I - Tears
Cousins Where are the tears that you should be crying right now ? I see the world weariness in your eyes I hear your voice, soft and sad Yet your laughter rings like carillons of bells in my ears. Where are the tears that you should be crying right now ? I see the world weariness in your eyes I feel your heart beat like the wings of the wild goose I smell your love on me I can still taste the tears that you should be crying right now. II - Pavan Hudson-Ford-Cousins Oh darling go to sleep for the night is young There are many songs yet to be sung Oh but I will sing them all to you Before the night is through. And when she lies in need of care and comforting So as a child's toy she is caressed And yet when cast adrift upon the changing tide As a ship becalmed, she lies at rest Oh darling go to sleep for the night is young There are many songs yet to be sung Oh but I will sing them all to you Before the night is through. Oh darling go to sleep for the night is young There are many songs yet to be sung Oh but I will sing them all to you Before the night is through. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Lambert
Looks around with angel face She does everything with amazing grace She wears smart clothes but no one knows She's got nobody waiting at home. She is not the only song I sing Though I sing them all for her There is something in her melody That I've never heard before. The winter and the summer need never come again The winter and the summer need never come again In my life there is no season, no reason. She is not the only book I read See her pages are not torn And her story is of loneliness Though her memory still war. The winter and the summer need never come again The winter and the summer need never come again In my life there is no season, no reason. Every now and then I'm sad Thinking what we could have had If we'd met some years before Would we now be wanting more ? She is not the only sound I hear Though to hear her lights my day There's no picture in the gallery That has half as much to say. The winter and the summer need never come again The winter and the summer need never come again In my life there is no season, no reason. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Lay down, I lay me down
Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. By still waters I lay down with the lambs In pastures green I made peace with my soul And I cared not for the night While my guiding star shone bright By still waters I lay down I lay down. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. At the roadside I took toll of my times From dirty streets I gained peace for my soul May the merciful be right Are you ready for the night At the roadside I lay down I lay down. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. In deep sorrow I took flight with the sun From mountains high I gained strength for my soul I proved stronger than the test When my spirit came to rest In deep sorrow I lay down I lay down. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down Lay down, I lay me down For my soul. |
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from Strawbs - Bursting At The Seams (1999)
Weaver-Cousins
We thank you for the wind and rain The sunshine and the flowers We thank you for the moon and stars The minutes and the hours. We live each day as best we can And wake up with new friends For when the nights have turned around The days begin again. |
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