Terrapin Station (Suite)

[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