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