Terrapin Station (Suite)

Lyrics

[Part I: Lady with a Fan] Then, my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm That will not forsake thee, 'til my tale is told and done While the firelight's aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow 'Til things we've never seen will seem familiar Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm Down in Carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him Who came through many fights, but lost at love While the storyteller speaks, a door within the fire creaks Suddenly flies open and a girl is standing there Eyes alight with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair She takes her fan and throws it in the lion's den Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell? I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise Strategy was his strength and not disaster The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him That's how it stands today, you decide if he was wise The storyteller makes no choice, soon you will not hear his voice His job is to shed light and not to master Since the end is never told We pay the teller off in gold In hopes he will come back But he cannot be bought or sold [Part II: Terrapin Station] Inspiration, move me brightly Light the song with sense and color Hold away despair More than this I will not ask Faced with mysteries dark and vast Statements just seem vain at last Some rise, some fall Some climb, to get to Terrapin Counting stars by candlelight All are dim but one is bright The spiral light of Venus Rising first and shining best From the northwest corner Of a brand new crescent moon Crickets and cicadas sing A rare and different tune (Terrapin Station) In the shadow of the moon (Terrapin Station) And I know we'll be there soon (Terrapin) I can't figure out (Terrapin) If it's the end or beginning (Terrapin) But the train's put it's brakes on (Terrapin) And the whistle is screaming (Terrapin) [Part III: At a Siding] While you were gone These faces filled with darkness The obvious was hidden With nothing to believe in The compass always points to Terrapin Sullen wings of fortune will beat like rain You're back in Terrapin for good or ill again For good or ill again