From the recording Twelve Children (CD-quality WAV)
I wrote this in the heart of my early twenties, living in Westchester County, and crawling through tunnels to the office every day. I'm reminded now of Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill -- though I was never brave enough to reject the rat race. You can hear how much I owe Paul Simon for this one, musically and thematically, But, for me, the song was triggered by a particular Robert Frost poem -- A Door in the Dark -- about running into an open door headfirst, and sparking a temporary realignment. There's also an image -- stolen from Nabokov, I think -- of a leaf falling toward a pond, racing inevitably to meet it's double. We always become who we are. For me, the slim door, if I recollect, was a joyous child I happened to pass playing in the park one day -- completely unencumbered by care. Or, maybe a particularly striking sunset over the Hudson, fleeting but magical. I can't remember.
This is the only full band number on the Album, with everyone finding their perfect place. Sam, Malcolm, Joe, Tim and myself combining to lay down a fantastically rich rhythmic palate, while Kate Snow and Jon Feldman joined me on vocals.
Lyrics
I'm drowning in a sea of life
Trapped among the suits and ties
Trading stares with angry men
My mirror's trading stares again
Read my paper, make my calls
Make my way til darkness falls
I lie awake just wanting more
Than what I see behind door number one
Young girl got past my guard, struck a blow in the heart so hard
Felt my native spirit jarred
Young girl got past my guard, struck a blow in the heart so hard
Felt my lonely spirit jarred
I know my dreams will fly
On a wind that bends the trees like
Old leaves rushing to meet them selves
On autumn pond in stiffening breeze
But, litter laying down in piles
got bodies blocking every aisle
I'm waiting for the dancing child
For the dancing child, and I said
Young girl got past my guard, struck a blow in the heart so hard
Felt my native spirit jarred
Young girl got past my guard, struck a blow in the heart so hard
Felt my lonely spirit jarred
Got mothers rising with the sound
Of waking babies in their arms
Pushing back the night alone
Keeping baby safe from harm
We got children running in the night
Lit by cold fluorescent light
Dancing child please make it right
Child make it right, oh make it right