Peter Hammill

Shingle Song

Peter Hammill


You can see in the 1st light that's graced as dawn 
that there's nothing in my heart but pain 
as I stand, facing sea, knowing that you're gone 
all the elements rage to explain 
that I should really be on my way; 
but there is something 
which ensures I must stay. 

Beneath the roar of the seething surf, 
beneath the caterwaul of scattered call wind 
thoughts and gestures unspoken, unheard - 
and now the dance of rapture begins 
as the waves rush along across the beach: 
like you, like your love 
forever out of reach. 

Look at the sky, but it's empty now; 
look at the sea, it holds nothing but despair. 
I raise my eyes, but my head stays bower... 
I look to my side, but you're not there. 
And I can't get you out of my mind, 
no, no, no, no, I just can't get you from my mind