If I've Been There... (California)

I've been struggling with a throat infection unknowingly for the past month or so. Once I started actually losing my voice and having trouble breathing, I went to the doctor. Now I know not to leave a throat infection untreated as it makes for uncomfortable days. I'm currently waiting for the antibiotics to heal me...in the meantime, I'm not supposed to be singing - But try telling a bird not to fly, or a fish not to swim, or a horse not to run...they won't concede willingly, and neither will I. When musical inspiration strikes me, it would be torture to resist.

That being said, I have been mulling around the idea of the following song for perhaps a couple of weeks and my guitar was so inviting last night - with new strings and after a much needed tune-up - that the process had begun before I realized it. The following are the lyrics at current:

There was a time before the war

Before lines were crossed and goodbye innocence and talk was hushed

There was a time before the storm

Before trees were fell and hello missing you and homes were shells

Well, if I've been there, I don't remember

If I've been there, I was too young

And I didn't appreciate it

If I've been there, I was too young

I'm dreaming of California

I don't know if I'll make it alive

I never much cared for changing

But it's changing that helps me survive when I know that I'm wrong

I know when I'm wrong.

There was a time when the willing would stay

And sacrifice made was always repaid by lovers missing the lost

There was a time we believed in the American dream

And talk was sincere. It was worth it.

But, if I've been there, I don't remember

If I've been there, I was too young

And I didn't appreciate it

If I've been there, I was too young

We're all dreaming of the west coast - never will we let it go

Though they say Cali is sinking - it sure as hell don't let it show

I'm dreaming of California

I don't know if I'll make it alive

I never much cared for changing

But it's changing that helps me survive when I know that I'm wrong

I know when I'm wrong

You'll know when I'm wrong

'Cause wind will blow and shots will ring

While all of nature laughs and sings

If we don't bend, we'll lie in wake while sister, brother weep and shake

You stole my heart - I let you take it

Knowing well you'd probably break it

And when you did, the moon still rose. . .

I never saw the grass so green, the colors so clear, the clouds so near

As on the day I knew I'd survive

And I'm going to California.

Lyrics © k. eryn

November 7, 2010