Richie Havens - 1941/2013 - 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

Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream

The mockin' 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 '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

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