The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #45044   Message #2479394
Posted By: Jim Dixon
29-Oct-08 - 06:49 PM
Thread Name: Lyr/Chords Req: Follow (from Richie Havens)
Subject: Lyr Req: FOLLOW (Jerry Merrick)
Lyrics copied from http://www.actionext.com/names_r/richie_havens_lyrics/follow.html

(You will also hear the song at that site.)


FOLLOW
Jerry Merrick

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 mockingbird 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....

[As sung by Richie Havens on several albums. Also recorded by Jerry Merrick, Mick Sterling, Evan Teatum, Susan Tedeschi, and Jerry Jeff Walker.]