Harp Tree Lament Lyrics - Singles - Paul Kantner

What would it gain me 

If I was to go? 

Like Jacob of old 

To the well of the world 

To wax halls where candles 

Burn on through the day 

To light you a path 

So you'd never lose your way 

I was down in the valley 

Where the shadows are long 

The birds in the harp tree 

Were singing this song 

There is time to deliver 

Time to receive 

All that you're lacking 

Of whatever you need 

Turn around, by the by 

You'll still see the sea 

As it was in the dawning 

As it always will be 

Raise up your bottles 

And drink down the blood 

You planted the vine here 

In spite of the flood 

Turn an ear to the harp tree 

An eye to the wall 

The songs in the singing 

Or nowhere at all 

No where to come from 

No place to retire 

No shelter nowhere 

Except in the fire 

The birds in the harp tree 

Can finish their song 

Then rest in its branches 

Which is where they belong 

But where can a man go 

That's sweet to his soul 

When his time is not ready 

But he's still turning old 

Here's a dream for the piper 

And a tune for his lady 

Outside the thin wall 

The waves are still raging 

Here's one for the harp tree 

And one for his song 

One for the morning 

When the night was too long 

Here's one for the candle 

That lights you to bed 

And one for the sword 

That hangs over your head