As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, one of my favorite performers is Beth Patterson. I’ve transcribed one of my favorite songs she often performs. It just seemed to speak to me today. One word is in brackets, indicating I could be wrong on the transcription there. Of course I could be in other places too. You need to buy this CD of hers. It’s called, Hybrid Vigor. Here’s the song, “Steer by the Stars.”
Steer by the Stars by Beth Patterson
With twilight descending, in slumber you find
And I am certain that I have safely passed from your mind
Only then can I serenade you unconfined
In the secrecy of my heart
Do you shine bright as always
As in [sadness] of old
Do you sing with four voices,
Or breathe hot and cold
Do you nurture my memory
Or yet still behold another creature of some land apart
CHORUS:
How can a blind man steer by the stars?
And how can a poor man have power?
How can a dead man rise from the grave,
And how can I have hope in this hour?
I desired no promise, only your company,
And I flourished in your presence, most wholeheartedly,
Though I still would rejoin you, I face reality,
It attracts me from dusk until dawn
Now we all take our chances of what we became, but
Only fools would rush in where an angel’s been slain,
And the sound of far voices, you still call my name
Even though your presence is gone.
CHORUS:
Free from all envy and free from all pride
I marveled at your joy
As I walked by your side
And I wish not to taint you
With the aspects I hide
Of my past, my thoughts, and my fears
When time finally tempers this heart sick and sore
And your eyes no longer dance in my dreams anymore,
I will still sing your praises of a time long before
I was blinded by so many tears.
CHORUS: