Almost a year ago I asked Kevin V. what his user name, "threemenfishing" meant. He told me that it meant "me, myself and I," since most of the time he gets for fishing is by himself. I was thinking this winter about how much fishing time he gives up to help other people on Gather, and that helped inspire this song. So this is dedicated to him and to my father-in-law Neil, whose boat it was out on that lake years ago.
A quiet little motor, spare set of oars
Tackle box, pliers, don't need much more
This little boat barely throws a wake
And most of my fish go back into the lake
I should be watching the sun slip away
So much magic this time of day
I should be heading back to the dock
But I'll watch the water for another pop
My line flies out like a twilight ghost
The water boils and then explodes
The last cast of the night is nearly here
I haunt this little lake at this time of year
Some of us find a place of peace
Something more than catch and release
So we keep coming back for another drink
To that place where there is no need to think
So here I float and drift and cast
Till all I really want is for this to last
Till thoughts return in harmony
From a planet that keeps on blessing me
Chorus
If you’d like to hear the actual song, please visit www.gerrywass.net and click on the song link on the main page. Please feel free to offer any constructive criticism, and I already know that my violin playing needs work!
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Comments: 9
Gerry, I think "lyrics" are just a separate branch of poetry that came off way back who knows when. Poems were originally sung, and the ones with this quality of peaceful warm emotion were called lyrical.
Given where song-less poems have gone in the last century, good lyrics may seem like a kind of folk poetry. But it's a real gift you show -- of place, mood, observation. Almost a suite of haikus.
What I meant to say was, thanks.
I got to hear a tiny bit of your song then it popped! (Something wrong with my computer) But I really like the ambience of the poem. You tell very well the importance of being on the water, drifting from our daytime mindset.
You have many hidden talents, teach.
And I totally agree with John B about the lyrics/poem thing...he's right. You really should just put your words into the lyrics form your use to because they come out so well.
And how many great songs from long ago have come out of poetry? I remember singing in high school many poems. sure they weren't mainstream music, but they were beautiful and the music fit just right. Just like yours.
Keep up the good work :)