Rod Coombes

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.

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 ?

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 ?

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.

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'.

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 ?

The wanderer has far to go
Humble must he constant be
Where the paths of wisdom lead
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

You have been my lighthouse
In every storm
You have given shelter
You have kept me safe and warm
And in my darkest nights
You have shone your brightest lights
You are my saving grace
Darling I love you.

You have been the pilot
Who guides me home
You have been the my rock
As on the seven seas I roam
And when I was becalmed
You were the strength in my arms
You are my saving grace
Darling I love you.

And when I found my back
Was torn and broken on the reef
You sailed your tiny boat
Across the dark seas of my disbelief.

You have been the anchor
And I the chain
Straining as we hold ourselves
Together in the rain
I have found you ever there
My constant keeper's daughter fair
You are my saving grace
Darling I love you.

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.

I - Divided
Cousins

The gypsy girl stood quite alone
Her eyes were brightly shining
Her head was in the clouds
Where she had found the silver lining
And all the while the crippled boy
Was dancing with his lady fair
While I stood on the sidelines
Trying to make out that I wasn't there.

So loud the music grew and grew
With ever greater pain
I stepped back in the shadows
For I could not stand the strain
I tried to look, my eyes were blind
I tried to speak but could not find
The words to say.

They left me lying where I lay
I could not bear the light of day.

Treat me kindly dear blue angel
Deepest colour of the night
Be merciful, be gentle
For I have no strength to fight.

II - Half Worlds Apart
Cousins

So I lay in half world dream state
Pressed like a flower in the pages of a half book
Words in softly spoken whispers
Steal through the silence of the blue veiled half light
The best of questions have no answers
The best of answers need no questions
Born on the quest for a wave of half peace
Acquired in a Dresden china cuplet
Bound in the chains of the half book binding
Half way to my half life.

Treat me kindly dear blue angel
Deepest colour of the night
Be merciful, be gentle
For I have no strength to fight.

So she lay in half museum
Pinned like a butterfly which failed to reach its half life
Tender moments left half spoken
Lost like an orphan in the pleasures of the dream state
A man of honour has no secrets
How can I be a man of secrets
Trapped in the web of the woven blue veil
Peering to find the angel weaver
Most sacred saviour of the silver lining
Half way to my half life.

Treat me kindly dear blue angel
Deepest colour of the night
Be merciful, be gentle
For I have no strength to fight.

III - At Rest
Cousins

Sleep the sleep of peace my love
And I will let you be
I alone can comfort
I alone can set you free
I will be your healer
And give you back your pride
In times of need remember me
At rest here by your side.

When the hour of darkness comes
And time itself stands still
When voices from the future
Seem to come and go at will
I will be your servant
Your ever constant guide
When all is lost remember me
At rest here by your side.

The wisdom of the fool is such
That he alone is sane
So delicate the balance
That e'er the moon could wax and wane
I will be your teacher
And show you where to hide
When all else fails remember me
At rest here by your side.

Treat me kindly dear blue angel
Deepest colour of the night
Be merciful, be gentle
For I have no strength to fight

Cousins-Willoughby

Never mind the rain, never mind the weather
Take a little time when you lose your grip
Never mind the pain, treat it as a warning
Never mind the truth when it cuts your lip.

Cry no more for me
I'll cry no more for you
I'll cry no more for you.

Never is a word I never wanted spoken
Never is a kiss with your mouth closed tight
Never is a dream of never ending pleasure
Never is defeat in the darkest night.

The night closed down with the passion of a thousand years
Far out in open space
A mirror shades the likeness of your pretty face
Drowning in my tears.

Never break a vow that's never yet been broken
Never cross your heart when it's all in vain
Never trust a girl who takes it all for granted
Never mind the rain when it's pouring down

Cousins-Willoughby

Do you remember the day we met
How we made our way in fits and starts
Do you remember the day we met
How we played our roles in silent parts
Oh what a day we had
Oh what a day.

Do you remember the day we met
How we kissed the way they do in France
Do you remember the day we met
How we lost our tongues before the dance
Oh what a day we had
Oh what a day.

Photographs of junior high
Your hair was straight and so was I

Do you remember the day we met
How we scandalised the scripture class
Do you remember the day we met
How we walked away on broken glass
Oh what a day we had
Oh what a day
Oh what a day we had
Oh what a day.

Strike the fiddle, start the hoedown
Rid me of my heavy load
I can see those bright lights shining
A little way further down the road

Mysteries of ancient wonders
Vanish as my world explodes
Memories of old ambitions
A little way further down the road

All the pain of making progress
Vanished when the west wind blowed
I have seen myself tomorrow
A little further down the road

I have rid myself of strangers
Buried in the overload
I can see myself tomorrow
A little way further down the road

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.

Cousins

Take my hand, I'll show you how to fly
We will cross the valley road, the river rolling by
Open fields, high cascading streams
We will climb the mountainside, a multitude of dreams.

I wake up to your morning glory
Say goodbye to my late night story
I close my eyes and count to ten
It all comes round again.

Miles apart, still further in between
Once you talked to me in tongues, who knows what they can mean.

The party ran all summer long, way beyond extremes
The morning glory days were gone, suddenly a world of broken dreams.

Deep blue days and ever darker nights
No matter what the time of day, we never dim the lights.

Cousins

I leave you with your head buried in the pillow
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy
As twisted as a knot, as tangled as a wire
Burning like a coal on the open fire
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy.

I talk to you in riddles of the drunken sailor
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy
As pretty as a rose, as bitter as a thorn
A smear of virgin blood on the broken dawn
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy.

Now did you hear the wind, did you ride the carousel
Did you find the seaman's mission, only time can really tell
Or do you see your future in the wishing well
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy.

I brush you with a kiss as the moonlight murmurs
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy
As simple as defeat, as certain as a toy
Crying like a girl with the future of a boy
Oh so sleepy, oh so sleepy.

There's a cafe on the corner where the Latin lovers meet
They're dancing to the rhythm of the night and the heat of the street.
There's a glow of expectation, the narcotic of the beat
They're dancing to the rhythm of the night and the heat of the street.

Rhythm of the night, heat of the street.
Rhythm of the night and the heat of the street.

There's a girl in every alley trying to whip you off your feet
They're dancing to the rhythm of the night and the heat of the street.

They play it tough
They play it cool
They play to win
They drink the pool
They play it by the golden rule
Lady Luck is no-one's fool.

There are roly poly mamas, electric slippers on their feet
They're dancing to the rhythm of the night and the heat of the street.

When they offer you the menu, try the rack of spicy meat
They're dancing to the rhythm of the night and the heat of the street.

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.

Cousins

The sky was like a crystal, it was sapphire blue
I was like a kid again, so were you
It's a strange day, a strange day over the hill.

The sun came round to polish up the copper beech
The leaves were black as leather where the sun don't reach
It's a strange day, a strange day over the hill.

I was close enough to heaven as a man could be
Knowing I had solved your little mystery
It's a strange day, a strange day over the hill.

We could hear the distant compromise of wedding bells
As we leaned on one another bidding fond farewells
It's a strange day, a strange day over the hill.

As we drove into the valley, the mist rolled down
We were in the grip of winter in our own home town
It's a strange day, a strange day over the hill.

The lights were shining brightly in the house across the street
I was looking for adventure, I was turning on the heat
I shivered in the shadows, it was cold as hell
The church bell sounded seven going, well, well, well
It's a strange day, a strange day over the hill.

Cousins

The plain stretched out before me as far as the slate grey sky
I told her I was leaving with the migrant birds to fly
I said she might expect me with the coming of the spring
When the birds return back home again with new-found songs to sing.

I hit out on the highway, high on the rising sun
I felt my spirit rising, my journey was newly begun
The joy of expectation rose in my heart with a song
The courage of conviction carried my journey along.

I bathed in the lake of comfort, the milk of my mother's breast
The son of constant sorrow sank to his knees in the West
I prayed to my God for guidance to find there was no-one but me
There was just the open highway as far as my eyes could see.

Throughout my endless journey I have been searching for paradise lost
I now retrace my footsteps with the burden of infinite cost
I see myself returning alone with my head held high
The plain stretched out before me as far as the slate grey sky.

Lambert

Lonely, have you ever felt lonely
Like you're floating on a deep sea
And the world is somewhere else?
And when you're trying to disguise it
It only makes it deepen
Trying to pretend will only weigh you down

Cold steel
Cold, cold steel

Searching, is this why everybody's searching
Looking to the sky
To try to touch a star
And when they get it in their hand
They never want to lose it
They get a monkey on their back and a pocketful of sand

Good times, I heard about the good times
I read it in a book
It sounded alright
But then I thought I saw a stranger
So I had to give chase.
She stabbed me in the back with a smile across her face

Cousins

The countryside was out of sight
The sky was acid blue
The saplings were beside themselves
The storm had passed on through
The trees were wearing racing silks
A vibrant grass-snake green
With maidens clutching violets
In many shades between

But somewhere in the distance
I could hear the tolling bell
I saw myself reflecting back
Face down in the well

The tolling bell reminded me
Of someone I had lost
I could not quite remember who
Or what had been the cost
Naked from the waist up
Naked upside down
No matter how you break your fall
You sure as hell will drown

The hounds from hell were howling
For the many wasted years
While every sin was washed away
With semi-precious tears
Some said it was suicide
Others first degree
No matter what the paradox
Was somehow lost on me

The courage of a patient man
Is measured in his pace
While some may take the higher ground
Others run the race
Some folks do the dandy strut
And trade as ne'er do well
But I have always please myself

Somewhere in the distance
I could hear the rebel yell
I saw myself reflecting back
Face down in the well

Cousins

Puddly pools, oily traces
Storm clouds scudding past the moon
Rusty hinges broken windows
All is broken, all too soon

Here today, gone tomorrow
Shadows in the setting sun
Here today, gone tomorrow
Darkness when the day is done

Broken china doll stares blind
Painted porcelain figurine
Loved to death by those who loved her
Prettiest face you've ever seen

Down the hill houses tumble
Overlapping cheek by jowl
Strike a match, frozen fingers
Restless dog begins to growl

Cousins

If I should live a thousand years
I would spend my whole life dying for you
If I should shed a thousand tears
I would spend my whole life crying for you

As certain as eternity
It's written in the stars
It reaches through the universe
From Jupiter to Mars
It stretches to infinity
Beyond the edge of space
Where time itself is measured
In the smile upon your face
If I should live a thousand years
I would spend my whole life loving you

If I should pick a thousand flowers
I would touch each petal for a trace of you
For every thousand April showers
I would chase the rainbow for a place with you

If I should bless a thousand brides
I would never find a-one as sweet as you
For every thousand high spring tides
There could never be one to compete with you

Cousins

NRG
It's really elementary
NRG
It's time to take inventory

Take the time
To take some action soon
There will be
A chain reaction soon
Along the backstreets a fire burns

Inside
Outside

NRG
It's time to hear the voices
NRG
It's time to take some choices

Cousins

Well, it was on a night like this
We made a vow
We knew could never miss
You and me
Meant to be
So free
On a night like this

Well, it was on a night like this
The stars looked down
It was a night of bliss
In a world
Of our own
So alone
On a night like this

And if ever I get to thinking back
On the good times we have had
I think of the days before I met you
And end up feeling sad

Well, it was on a night like this
We sealed our fate
With just a single kiss
In a world
Of extremes
Simple dreams
On a night like this

Cousins-Cronk-Hawken-Lambert

It was back along summer of thirty years
I'll tell you a story to bring you tears
Of the likes of a romance so few hears
Out on the Russian front

She had startling eyes of sapphire blue
She lived in a house where camellias grew
But where she came from no-one knew

He stood as firm as the mighty oak
Smelled as keen as forest smoke
Loved her with a velvet stroke
Out on the Russian front

She loved a man who burst with pride
Buried deep in her countryside
Their love for life was long denied

Even now I'm still unclear
Those who held each other dear
Are living in a state of fear
Out on the Russian front

Both were sent their separate ways
Victims of their yesterdays
The party wins the farmer pays

Cousins-Lambert

The stars begin to fade
The early morning mist is lifting
As he wakes with the silence still unbroken
The night has rolled away
The dawn is creeping through the window
As he rubs the shadows from his eyes

The sun begins to rise
To warm the room where he was sleeping
As he reads through the headlines of the papers
The dew is fading fast
As he is walking through the long grass
With church bell sounding in the tower

He waits inside the door
The clock strikes out the hour
He smiles pausing for a word as they arrive.
Farmers with their wives
Children with their flowers
Ladies in their bright mid-summer clothes

The stained glass windows shine
The congregation kneels in silence
Then the organ and choir
Join the birds in the trees
As they sing their Sunday morning song

Lambert

The party wasn't over when my friends started leaving
Still a lot of things I had to say
If I walked back in the room would it be the way I left it?
Lost my nerve and turned away
And the rains came, and the skies turned grey

When the lights came on
I could see the picture
It burned my eyes and it bruised my mind
Gave me hope to face the future
I was not alone when the lights came on

They crucified the ox and threw his carcass to the fire
Stood around proclaiming they were free
Stripped away his flesh while giving thanks for all his labours
No-one saw the joke but him and me
Then the rains came, and the skies turned grey

The wise man built his house upon the rock beside the river
Cared not for the storms that lashed around
The foolish man was tempted, dipped his soul into the water
His body, though at peace, has not been found
Because the rains came, and the skies turned grey

Coombes

It's a warm summer's evening and it's been a beautiful day
But the sky is getting darker in a special kind of way
I'm anticipating something, think it's going to be OK
'Cause tomorrow will show me what I can't see today.

Oh those changes arranges like the warmth of the storm
It says change comes to cool us and you know it can't be wrong
Evolution rules us from the moment we are born
So just blow with the wind or the warmth of the storm.

Change is three white horses, one creates and one maintains
And though the last one is destructive, it can come to ease your pain
'Cause you're caught up in the wheel of life, you can't escape
You just try to resist it, you know the force is far too great.

Oh those changes arranges like the warmth of the storm
It says change comes to cool us and you know it can't be wrong
Evolution rules us from the moment we are born
So just blow with the wind or the warmth of the storm.

Everybody gets them, it'll catch you if you run
You know you never can escape it, can't you feel it's got to go
Sometimes something will tell you that you just can't stay this way
Even though it has been a most beautiful day.

Oh those changes arranges like the warmth of the storm
It says change comes to cool us and you know it can't be wrong
Evolution rules us from the moment we are born
So just blow with the wind or the warmth of the storm.

Those changes arranges like the warmth of the storm
It says change comes to cool us and you know it can't be wrong
Evolution rules us from the moment we are born
So just blow with the wind or the warmth of the storm.

Lambert

You brought a new kind of sound into my life
You brought love every day
You brought a new kind of sound into my life
And I threw it away.

The song that I sing is the music you bring.

You gave my eyes a new sight they'd never had before
You brought beauty every day
You gave my eyes a new sight they'd never had before
And I threw it away.

The song that I sing is the music I bring.

Don't try to change me, I'm doing the best I can
Don't try to change me, I'm happy the way I am.

You gave my mornings a light they'd never seen before
You brought love every day
You gave my mornings a light I'd never seen before
And I threw it away.

The song that I sing is the music I bring.

Don't try to change me, I'm doing the best I can
Don't try to change me, I'm happy the way I am.

The sound they appeared to hear
Was the sound that didn't disappear but stayed forever.

You are love, you need love
You know that much better than I do
You are love, you need love
You know that much better than I do, la la la la ….

You brought a new kind of sound into my life
You brought music every day
You brought a new kind of sound into my life
And I threw it away.

The song that I sing is the music we bring.

Don't try to change me, I'm doing the best I can
Don't try to change me, I'm happy the way I am.

Don't try to change me.

Cousins

You have been my lighthouse in every storm
You have given shelter, you have kept me safe and warm
And in my darkest nights you have shone your brightest lights
You are my saving grace, darling, I love you.

You have been the pilot who guides me home
You have been my rock as on the Seven Seas I roam
And when I was becalmed you were the strength in my arms
You are my saving grace, darling, I love you.

And when you found my back was torn and broken on the reef
You sailed your tiny boat across the dark seas of my disbelief.

You have been the anchor and I the chain
Straining as we hold ourselves together in the rain
I have found you ever there, my constant keeper's daughter fair
You are my saving grace, darling, I love you, darling, I love you.

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)

Hawken / Cousins

I sometimes sit and think about our evenings in the firelight
You and I when we were young
Laughing at the crazy-patterned shadows that were dancing on the wall.

Without a care, with time to spend
Hardly speaking for hours on end
That was you and I when we were young.

Walking hand in hand beside the river at the weekends, you and I
When we were young
Children with their fishing nets were laughing as they took their catches home.

Caterpillars in paper bags
Knees tied up with dirty rags
That was you and I when we were young.

Brushing through the fallen leaves together in the autumn, you and I
When we were young
Planning for the future without knowing what it held for us at all.

The road to nowhere never climbs
We changed direction a dozen times
That was you and I when we were young.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 . . .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

…

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.

…

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.

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.

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 ?

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 ?

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 ?

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.