Lyrics Richie Havens

Richie Havens

Follow

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.

And don't mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream.

The mocking bird 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 'cos 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 flavour 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 'cos 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 colours 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 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream.

And you can follow; And you can follow; follow...