Paul Kantner - Harp Tree Lament lyrics

Music: David Freiberg

Lyrics: Robert Hunter

What would it gain me

If I was to go

Like Jacob of old

To the well of the world

To wax halls where candles

Burn on through the day

To light you a path

So you'd never lose your way

I was down in the valley

Where the shadows are long

The birds in the harp tree

Were singing this song

There is time to deliver

Time to receive

All that you're lacking

Of whatever you need

Turn around - by the by

You'll still see the sea

As it was in the dawning

As it always will be

Raise up your bottles

And drink down the blood

You planted the vine here

In spite of the flood

Turn an ear to the harp tree

An eye to the wall

The songs in the singing

Or nowhere at all

No where to come from

No place to retire

No shelter nowhere

Except in the fire

The birds in the harp tree

Can finish their song

Then rest in its branches

Which is where they belong

But where can a man go

That's sweet to his soul

When his time is not ready

But he's still turning old

Here's a dram for the piper

And a tear for his lady

Outside the thin walls

The waves are still raging

Here's one for the harp tree

And one for his song

One for the morning

When the night was too long

Here's one for the candle

That lights you to bed

And one for the sword

That hangs over your head

Thanks to Clayton for these lyrics