EMERALD ROSE: SONG LYRICS
all lyrics (c) Emerald Rose 1998-2004 except where noted
Arthur's initial inspiration
for this song was the old Scottish romance of
Thomas the Rhymer. Robin Williamson recounts the tale in his book The
Wise and Foolish Tongue, telling how the Queen of Elfland took Thomas the
Rhymer across "the river that runs with the blood that is shed on Earth."
When their path branched off into three separate ways, the Queen said to
Thomas:
o see ye not yon narrow
road
that's a' beset wi' thorn and briar?
that is the Path of Righteousness
and few there be that there aspire
and see ye not yon wide
smooth road
that winds across the lily leaven?
that is the Path of Wickedness
though many ca' it the Road to Heaven
and see ye not yon bonny,
bonny road
that winds across the ferny brae?
that is the path to fair Elfland
there you and I this night maun gae
SUMMERLAND
(words and music by Arthur Hinds)
They say the road to heaven
is straight and narrow
They say the road to hell is smooth and wide
Well, the path I follow is long and winding
But it surely leads to the other side
I've walked the maze of
shadow and the the paths of light
And I've seen myself in Rebel gray and Celtic woad
I'll trace the sacred spiral of the Mysteries' flight
Till the final turning of the road
Chorus:
Summerland, the Wheel is spinning
Womb of change and rebeginning
From one to the Many and from the Many to the One
Well of rest and deep reflection
Seeing Truth and new direction
Till Summerland is done
Summerland
I'm forced to admit I'm
far from a perfect man
And I guess I confess I'm a sinner as they'd say
But the Pagan life's not about single-dose redemption
It's a reaffirmation every day
And they'll ask you, "Brother,
have you been saved?
"Don't you worry 'bout burning for eternity?"
Well, I'm in no danger; and, no, I'm not afraid
For the Goddess speaks with certainty
Chorus
They say the road to heaven
is straight and narrow
They say the road to hell is smooth and wide
Well, the path I follow is long and winding
But it surely leads to the other side
Chorus
©Emerald Rose
Arthur Hinds--vocals, guitar
Brian "Logan" Sullivan--lead guitar, vocals
Larry Morris--congas, vocals
Clyde Gilbert--congas, vocal