Friday, August 8, 2014

Richie Havens - 1941/2013 - Follow





Let the river rock you like a cradle
Climb to the treetops, child, if you're able
Let your hands tie a knot across the table
Come and touch the things you cannot feel

And close your fingertips and fly where I can't hold you
Let the sun rain fall and let the dewy clouds enfold you
And maybe you can sing to me the words I just told you
If all the things you feel ain't what they seem
Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream

The mockin' bird sings each different song
Each song has wings, they won't stay long
Do those who hear think he's doing wrong?
While the church bell tolls its one note song
And the school bell is tinkling to the throng
Come here where your ears cannot hear

And close your eyes, child, and listen to what I'll tell you
Follow in the darkest night the sounds that may impel you
And the song that I am singing may disturb or serve to quell you
If all the sounds you hear ain't what they seem
Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream

The rising smell of fresh cut grass
Smothered cities choke and yell with fuming gas
I hold some grapes up to the sun
And their flavor breaks upon my tongue
With eager tongues we taste our strife
And fill our lungs with seas of life
Come taste and smell the waters of our time

And close your lips, child, so softly I might kiss you
Let your flower perfume out and let the winds caress you
As I walk on through the garden, I am hoping I don't miss you
If all the things you taste ain't what they seem
Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream

The sun and moon both arise
And we'll see them soon through days and nights
But now silver leaves are mirrors, bring delights
And the colors of your eyes are fiery bright
While darkness blinds the skies with all its light
Come see where your eyes cannot see

And close your eyes, child and look at what I'll show you
Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you
And maybe when we meet then suddenly I will know you
If all the things you see ain't quite what they seem
Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream

And you can follow and you can follow; follow


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