APOLOGY
(Gordon Lightfoot)

Recorded Gordon Lightfoot 1969


I remember everything 
I've learned about survival 
I've walked with fools and kings 
And even read the bible.

There I came upon some lines 
Giving me direction 
Gather not your gold on earth
Your kingdom is in heaven.

But I chose to live instead 
Inside the shell they gave me 
'Til in spite of everything
Good fortune came to find me.

I tried my best to run away 
But I could not avoid the feelin' 
Soon I was reelin' on my feet 
I made a grab at anything 
The earth was gone 
And I was on a vicious circle then.

After I'd gone and let myself surrender
I didn't want to die at all
I thought I'd live forever.

And she gave me everything
A king could never borrow 
But I twisted all her gifts
Her wisdom was my sorrow.

And so I left her cryin'
And roamed across the river
The angels offered me their hands
But I could not forget her.

So I came to where she was
By river, road and reason
I slept beneath her window
In the moonlight summer season.

But I could not go inside
I heard the sound of laughter
The rustle of her hair upon his skin.
I made a grab at anything
The earth was gone 
And I was on a vicious circle then.

After I'd gone to cry down my sorrow 
I didn't want to live no more 
Nor face the bright tomorrow.

Then I remembered everything 
I've learned about survival 
Havin' walked with fools and kings 
I've even read the bible.

I remember all those lines 
Giving me direction 
Gather not your gold on earth 
It will not pass inspection.

And still I think when I'm alone 
Away from all night's splendor 
If gold could buy one night with her
I wish I had some to send her.



(Contributed by David Story - April 2013)