From the recording Mother Road
Lyrics
When I was a little girl
I saw a magic in the world
That could turn a rain-soaked street
Into a river running to the sea
And by a kindred trick
A leaf became a sailing ship
And to reach some far-off land
I’d just release it from my hand
And set it floating
Downstream, downstream
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream”
Were some words I read today
And I wanted you to stay
But I had to let you go
And though it broke my heart I know
As long as stars from heaven gleam
I’ll see you farther on downstream
Girlhood days, they faded long
Just like a river rolling on
And secret things I learned to hide
Still I hoped to keep you by my side
But you were torn from my embrace
Before I ever knew your face
Before your moon-white rose could grow
The current caught you in its flow
And bore you onwards
Downstream, downstream
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream”
Were some words I read today
And I wanted you to stay
But I had to let you go
And though it broke my heart I know
As long as stars from heaven gleam
I’ll see you farther on downstream
As I stand upon the shore, the river slowly passes by
And I am left alone
I will keep your memory warm, and in my heart you will abide
Until I sail for home