Terrapin Station

Lyrics:

• Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm,
• That will not forsake you, till my tale is told and done.
• While the firelight's aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow,
• Till 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 story teller 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 story teller 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 return, but he cannot be bought or sold.


• 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,
• On, from the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon,
• While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune,
• Terrapin Station.


• In the shadow of the moon, Terrapin Station.
• And I know we'll get there soon, Terrapin Station.
• 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.