romance

a sort of island rising to the heights
visions of bizarre towers and giant walls
heroes and heroines who set to rights
a sort of island rising to the heights

brilliant illuminated against the nights
the handsome and the gallant line the halls
a sort of island rising to the heights
visions of bizarre towers and giant walls

see coming here the masters of the falls
folk not undreamt but never kept in dream
the ladies curtsy and dream of the balls
see coming here the masters of the falls

the ones who answered the dramatic calls
bow to the ones who truthful judgment deem
see coming here the masters of the falls
folk not undreamt but never kept in dream

the rulers of the world province and theme
speak many tongues and dance to a wild tune
we wonder if things are just as they seem
the rulers of the world province and theme

significance becomes a fighting meme
the sane one stays no wiser than the loon
the rulers of the world province and theme
speak many tongues and dance to a wild tune

ladies appear whose lights challenge the moon
we understand that each one's a great queen
their power's not dissipated at the noon
ladies appear whose lights challenge the moon

we read the message in no script nor rune
yet all know full well just what it must mean
ladies appear whose lights challenge the moon
we understand that each one's a great queen

captains appear the bravest men we've seen
all crowd around them in a brilliant whirl
they're dressed for dance in royal blue and green
captains appear the bravest men we've seen

back in the corner showing patient mien
waits all unheeded a young angry girl
captains appear the bravest men we've seen
all crowd around them in a brilliant whirl

not one of them but would ride down a churl
to trap the fox which then they will not eat
great promises and oaths they easy hurl
not one of them but would ride down a churl

still in her corner playing with a curl
the bravest one of all they will not greet
not one of them but would ride down a churl
to trap the fox which then they will not eat

we know the battle comes and they'll be beat
by heathen folk whose anger's on the rise
we'll see far fewer of those nimble feet
we know the battle comes and they'll be beat

the glorious ones will go down to defeat
we'll see the brilliance depart from their eyes
we know the battle comes and they'll be beat
by heathen folk whose anger's on the rise

still in the shadows there lurks one more wise
who sees the lass and well knows her worth
promising that she'll give all a surprise
still in the shadows there lurks one more wise

one final battle comes for the last prize
and then our bravest girl will find her berth
still in the shadows there lurks one more wise
who sees the lass and well knows her worth

so at the end there'll be fresh time for mirth
after the arrows brilliant in their flights
chased the usurpers from our native earth
so at the end there'll be fresh time for mirth

but she'll set forth down the long silent firth
to find fresh hope and see more gentle sights
so at the end there'll be fresh time for mirth
after the arrows brilliant in their flights

not enough for simple thought

there's never any time to think
about the ways that we can choose
to take ourselves right to the brink
there's never any time to think

we pause and then we take a drink
all answers are dissolved in booze
there's never any time to think
about the ways that we can choose

it will not matter win or lose
unless we can reach to the edge
to hesitate will court the blues
it will not matter win or lose

our hopes are that we'll simply cruise
until we're forced to take the pledge
it will not matter win or lose
unless we can reach to the edge

we wander past the withered sedge
and do not ask just how we came
for bird to fly it first must fledge
we wander past the withered sedge

the opening requires a wedge
and after just a simple flame
we wander past the withered sedge
and do not ask just how we came

the answer's held within the name
of that which we can't understand
our faces are immune to shame
the answer's held within the name

the whole thing's just a stupid game
the best response is to be bland
the answer's held within the name
of that which we can't understand

the standard reply's ready-canned
we aren't supposed to give it thought
not one thing happens that we planned
the standard reply's ready-canned

we know that we ought to demand
that we receive just what we bought
the standard reply's ready canned
we aren't supposed to give it thought

the gap falls between is and ought
and will just widen over time
the chances are we're told just fraught
the gap falls between is and ought

we haven't learned just what you taught
our minds are fallen far from prime
the gap falls between is and ought
and will just widen over time

the thought that we might change is crime
you must not hold it or you'll die
your name will be dragged through the slime
the thought that we might change is crime

you and i might hope to climb
till we're too small for normal eye
the thought that we might change is crime
you must not hold it or you'll die

if we might someday hope to fly
above the spaces where lives link
we could finesse the standard tie
if we might someday hope to fly

stout opponents of the easy lie
might quail to hear our glasses clink
if we might someday hope to fly
above the places where lives link

our eyes are steady we won't blink
at anything that's false or true
past any guardian we'll soon slink
our eyes are steady we won't blink

let others waste vast seas of ink
if they speak up then we will sue
our eyes are steady we won't blink
at anything that's false or true

a poor player

a count of words does not reveal the fact
but we aren't ready for hard truth unveiled
the glass we look through's dull and cracked
a count of words does not reveal the fact

each message must be treated with full tact
against the wind but very few have sailed
a count of words does not reveal the fact
but we aren't ready for hard truth unveiled

in anger and despair the folk have railed
against the ones whose truth we can't dispute
we thought we had the entire process nailed
in anger and despair the folk have railed

the message that we hear has not been mailed
it's meaning and its form alike are cute
in anger and despair the folk have railed
against the ones whose truth we can't dispute

the truest human's no more than a brute
against our hopes few hands have yet been raised
the meaning it is clear we can't refute
the truest human's no more than a brute

we know that we as yet can't institute
the order under which all gods are praised
the truest human's no more than a brute
against our hopes few hands have yet been raised

another signal comes we're not yet crazed
by all the changes that weigh on each mind
still in the middle day each stands amazed
another signal comes we're not yet crazed

faced with a complex world we are not fazed
in no sense can you claim that we are blind
another signal comes we're not yet crazed
by all the changes that weigh on each mind

the cords that you see cannot simply bind
they link us each to each in a vast net
we eat the fruit from the core to the rind
the cords that you see cannot simply bind

the mistake's that we take the name mankind
the sort of thing that would make a devil fret
the cords that you see cannot simply bind
they link us each to each is a vast net

there's something to be said now for regret
each of our faults though makes us what we are
we know the greater purpose won't be set
there's something to be said now for regret

we won't reveal the answer no not yet
we'll make the journey each in our own car
there's something to be said now for regret
each of our faults though makes us what we are

the life we make we always seek to mar
a vision comes and we call it a lie
the journey that we take's a bit too far
the life we make we always seek to mar

we start with nothing and we end on par
we'll leave the green behind us by and by
the life we make we always seek to mar
a vision comes and we call it a lie

the truth we know is painful to the eye
an ugliness we bear each in our hearts
we want to live and fear that we must die
the truth we know is painful to the eye

we aren't still waiting for the best reply
the target has been pierced by many darts
the truth we know is painful to the eye
an ugliness we bear each in our hearts

each of us knows our secret sacred parts
in this long play and waits our turn to act
the stage is not the worst of all our arts
each of us knows our secret sacred parts

life's just a process of sale in the marts
in pleasing shape the soul is sealed and packed
each of us knows our secret sacred parts
in this long play and waits our turn to act

not simple questions these

to what old fallacy will we now fall
our minds half-broken by the daily task
we can no longer answer history's call
to what old fallacy will we now fall

a sort of answer must pervade the all
truth does not hide behind an actor's mask
to what old fallacy will we now fall
our minds half-broken by the daily task

we bear a promise that we did not ask
our hearts grow heavier with fading day
wine dribbles out from the half-empty flask
we bear a promise that we did not ask

we'd trap the spirit back within its cask
and let the end of light our tired hopes slay
we bear a promise that we did not ask
our hearts grow heavier with fading day

let others waste their lives for little pay
a mission that is asked for seems so rare
the sun will set on this forgotten bay
let others waste their lives for little pay

we don't expect to flee the noble ray
but all we've learned is how to run and fear
let others waste their lives for little pay
a mission that is asked for seems so rare

we'll shave the truth down and let pare
life down to those things we most lack
we'll let life criticise the whole affair
we'll shave the truth down and let pare

the ones who answer never seem to care
they're just concerned about staying on track
we'll shave the truth down and let pare
life down to those things we most lack

if we reply will history answer back
or must we stay in place and wait in vain
the story's told by some benighted hack
if we reply will history answer back

it doesn't take too much for hearts to crack
we wait and wait and do not see the rain
if we reply will history answer back
or must we stay in place and wait in vain

no sort of explanation makes things plain
green is the colour that most masks desire
we have some hope of honour and of gain
no sort of explanation makes things plain

if we could undertake to stand the strain
we'd let matters come right down to the wire
no sort of explanation makes things plain
green is the colour that most masks desire

you won't despair if we don't light the fire
a host of worries rises with each thought
we praise the calm and will eschew the ire
you won't despair if we don't light the fire

the greatest maker is the finest liar
the greatest gap comes between is and ought
you won't despair if we don't light the fire
a host of worries rises with each thought

the signal comes to one who has been bought
he'll set the blaze and kill those who stand tall
we'll soon find out what our great gifts have wrought
the signal comes to one who has been bought

the greatest battles have yet to be fought
our hero's never yet been on the ball
the signal comes to one who has been bought
he'll set the blaze and kill those who stand tall

our lives and times the future must appal
in a false sunlight we all seem to bask
we run when we as yet can scarcely crawl
our lives and times the future must appal

so when we stop and sing and shout and bawl
we're all afraid of what we might unmask
our lives and times the future must appall
in a false sunlight we all seem to bask

crane beach

who knows the secret noble name
bright as a sword but not as known
each journey turns into a game
who knows the secret noble name

away from hope of pride or fame
we note the desert and the sown
who knows the secret noble name
bright as a sword but not as known

alone on the bright sheltered beach
nothing before me but the sea
the world seems just beyond my reach
alone on the bright sheltered beach

now all i can do is beseech
the ones who much further can see
alone on the bright sheltered beach
nothing before me but the sea

i've no idea what's come to pass
to those who made that same day-trip
they showed the world both style and class
i've no idea what's come to pass

the breeze that moves the leaves and grass
takes forming words from off my lip
i've no idea what's come to pass
to those who made the same day-trip

i found my back could heat and burn
i'm not immune to harm and pain
i had so much to do and learn
i found my cak could heat and burn

now i'm the one who has to turn
and let the younger make the gain
i found my back could heat and burn
i'm not immune to harm and pain

that day my eyes were wild and red
my heart remained just in its place
i can't remember what was said
that day my eyes were wild and red

the images that haunt my head
go on to fill infinite space
that day my eyes were wild and red
my heart remained just in its place

it was a chance to take my way
far out beyond the normal road
to make of that a greater day
it was a chance to take my way

a time that was given to play
to drop the burden and the load
it was a chance to take my way
far out beyond the normal road

all innocent i could not know
all that went on beyond my eyes
all that i saw was sandy glow
all innocent i could not know

all day i knew that things would go
no further than i could surmise
all innocent i could not know
all that went on beyond my eyes

each mangrove root remains in sight
no bit of it was left behind
the reason seems inane and slight
each mangrove root remains in sight

i've learned since then to do things right
and let the thoughts just fill my mind
each mangrove root remains in sight
no bit of it was left behind

the journey back seemed all too short
i knew i'd seen a different world
not something i would say in sport
the journey back seemed all too short

all in the end should come to nought
the heart within the breast is curled
the journey back seemed all too short
i knew i'd seen a different world

once there was a pathway

a cloth that on the bed is draped
reminds us of some other day
hope in each mind is ever shaped
a cloth that on the bed is draped

we know that we have not escaped
because we've never found the way
a cloth that on the bed is draped
reminds us of some other day

if we had chosen the high path
we would have found another hope
there would have been no aftermath
if we had chosen the high path

and so we must in calm or wrath
turn backs to sea and climb the slope
if we had chosen the high path
we would have found another hope

across the valley one bright tree
announces its time of the year
with all who speak i can't agree
across the valley one bright tree

beyond the ridge there lies the sea
but on it's nothing we hold dear
across the valley one bright tree
announces its time of the year

our thoughts are always far away
we know we have to leave this place
where we should go we cannot say
our thoughts are always far awa

we've got no time to laugh or play
we're told that we're each a disgrace
our thoughts are always far away
we know we have to leave this place

in dreams we populate each hill
with folk whose natures are all bright
we shouldn't come this way but still
in dreams we populate each hill

the world won't answer to our will
we seem to have no choice but flight
in dreams we populate each hill
with folk whose natures are all bright

not one who sees but knows our thought
is focused on some future time
so little that we here have wrought
not one who sees but knows our thought

all of our minds in dreams seem caught
we move from earth to the sublime
not one who sees but knows our thought
is focused on some future time

were we to journey there again
we would not recognise the place
each footstep that cost us such pain
were were to journey there again

signals we know must reach the brain
but nothing shows upon each face
were we to journey there again
we would not recognise the place

we can't yet tell the gold from brass
the sea fills up all of the west
there's nothing here to show our class
we can't yet tell the gold from brass

somewhere beyond this mountain pass
we'll come upon some certain test
we can't yet tell the gold from brass
the sea fills up all of the west

were we upon that road to pause
we would not think of all the past
we'd jump straight from effect to cause
were we upon that road to pause

and yet we know that there are laws
that find their way to hold us fast
were we upon that road to pause
we would not think of all the past

hurry up and wait

the reader that i want i cannot know
they are not me that's true and clear
caught up in the complexity of flow
the reader that i want i cannot know

all such matters are i'm told just so
they fall between the speaker and the ear
the reader that i want i cannot know
they are not me that's true and clear

blinded by shadows i deplore the fact
that others may not read just what i write
my thought and theory are what they lacked
blinded by shadows i deplore the fact

the signal has now thoroughly been hacked
no messenger today remains in sight
blinded by shadows i deplore the fact
that others may not read just what i write

stories once told belong to the whole world
the author's just the one who found the tale
the flag of commonsense has been unfurled
stories once told belong to the whole world

the reader in their tiny corner curled
must give some merit to the tiny sale
stories once told belong to the whole world
the author's just the one who found the tale

at times i wonder just what thought requires
of those of us who have been paid to think
there's not a glow from those far-distant fires
at times i wonder just what thought requires

at day's end there's no sound of lutes or lyres
from no sure spring have i been taught to drink
at times i wonder just what thought requires
of those of us who have been paid to think

let this remain we've gone beyond the line
and seen more wonders than we might believe
too late we turn to laughter and to wine
let this remain we've gone beyond the line

for our old innocence we will not pine
those who would seek to keep it all deceive
let this remain we've gone beyond the line
and seen more wonders than we might believe

clouds do not let us see the noble sight
of light upon the darkly brilliant leaves
we can't claim any places by plain right
clouds do not let us see the noble sight

we will not be the victims of such fright
nor will we advertise that nature grieves
clouds do not let us see the noble sight
of light upon the darkly brilliant leaves

hope should rest lightly upon every heart
but that's the way of things under the sky
we watch the happy swallows swoop and dart
hope should rest lightly upon every heart

we leave the aftermath to complex art
we tell the truth in manner of a lie
hope should rest lightly upon every heart
but that's the way of things under the sky

what's true is more than we are ever told
the false comes better packaged every day
the world we know is always harsh and cold
what's true is more than we are ever told

the dullest brass will pass for brightest gold
the actors will seem better than the play
what's true is more than we are ever told
the false comes better packaged every day

reflect upon the truth that time's too short
and you will wonder at the scale of waste
enough to worry at expense of thought
reflect upon the truth that time's too short

your rivals will not win at this last court
they fail from scurry and excess of haste
reflect upon the truth that time's too short
and you will wonder at the scale of waste

the honest way

to tell the truth may well seem rude
we are supposed to whine and mutter
when faced by angry multitude
to tell the truth may well seem rude

if you've a proper servile attitude
you'll eat your bread with tasty butter
to tell the truth may well seem rude
we are supposed to whine and mutter

messages sent along the wires
must be received with humble thanks
the sun's been hidden by the fires
messages sent along the wires

our masters one and all are liars
their happiness is in the banks
messages sent along the wires
must be received with humble thanks

the knowledge that all of us seek
is not the kind that shall set free
be servile humble soft and meek
the knowledge that all of us seek

we do our jobs week after week
new rings are added to the tree
the knowledge that all of us seek
is not the kind that shall set free

truth has been told but never heard
our eyes are focused on the past
our sense of duty's quite absurd
truth has been told but never heard

the secret's not in hidden word
the line into the lake's been cast
truth has been told but never heard
our eyes are focused on the past

the signal flag has not been flown
light shines upon the highest tower
the danger has not yet been shown
the signal flag has not been flown

we pass into the great unknown
one by one hour after hour
the signal flag has not been flown
light shines upon the highest tower

determined to achieve our goal
up mountain path we strive to climb
we're fearful of our proper role
determined to achieve our goal

alone we fear we'll be made whole
and have to account for our time
determined to achieve our goal
up mountain path we strive to climb

the sun will burn all things to white
make a clean fire of all our hope
we're all inured to fret and fright
the sun will burn all things to white

we've no idea of truth or right
our feet are set on the high slope
the sun will burn all things to white
make a clean fire of all our hope

all that we see was once well-hid
our vision is of a fine place
to serve and conquer we are bid
all that we see was once well hid

of all delusions we're well-rid
and know the confines of our space
all that we see was once well-hid
our vision is of a fine place

all of our hopes have turned to ash
but hearts are firm and minds are sure
we know the diamond from the trash
all of our hopes have turned to ash

we're worth much more than simple cash
the future's never been more secure
all of our hopes have turned to ash
but hearts are firm and minds are sure

all upon the square

movement of cloud across the sky
in afternoon we hope for peace
birds in and out of the vent fly
movement of cloud across the sky

each of us our true trade must ply
each batsman stand up at the crease
movement of cloud across the sky
in afternoon we hope for peace

at hours like these we hope for time
to do the things we know we need
the sun has fallen far from prime
at hours like thse we hope for time

to deny this beauty would be crime
on this soft light our hearts must feed
at hours like this we hope for time
to do the things we know we need

words fill my mind and will not go
each of them messages of light
this afternoon time will move slow
words fill my mind and will not go

there's so much left we have to know
such matters are not ones of right
words fill my mind and will not go
each of them messages of light

and now we come to the best game
one played with magic thoughts and words
not one of us need take the blame
and now we come to the best game

our futures are not calm or tame
memories glide away like birds
and now we come to the best game
one played with magic thoughts and words

the freshest shoots proclaim new life
the eye is calmed by sight of green
with thoughts the active mind is rife
the freshest shoots proclaim new life

calm is desired in place of strife
all that we covet can't be seen
the freshest shoots proclaim new life
the eye is calmed by sight of green

music replaces thought with speed
our hearts are filled with magic sound
our minds rejoice at each met need
music replaces thought with speed

we move at once from plan to deed
each of us stands on friendly ground
music replaces thought with speed
our hearts are filled with magic sound

the power that comes from each pressed key
fills normal hearts with joy and charm
with inner light new truths we'll see
the power that comes from each pressed key

true folk won't serve on bended knee
but still will seek to banish harm
the power that comes from each pressed key
fills normal hearts with joy and charm

at points we'll pass far beyond day
not one of us but knows what hurts
we're all at one with mud and clay
at points we'll pass far beyond day

who knows the sort of thing we'd say
if truth and honour came in spurts
at points we'll pass far beyond day
not one of us but knows what hurts

in time we'll come to the best place
from which to bring life to its height
our hearts are filled with their due grace
in time we'll come to the best place

true love will rest upon each face
though all know that the weight is slight
in time we'll come to the best place
from which to bring life to its height