Lyrics
[Soft Felt Rhodes Intro]
A quiet room beside the morning lane,
the memory resting peaceful on the floor.
[Verse 1]
I open up the window to the dawn,
the fresh November air is crisp and sweet.
The shadows shorten on the pavement street,
where all the heavy sorrow has been drawn.
The copper kettle whistles on the flame,
the cedar counter smells of roasted tea.
I speak with gentleness without a blame,
and know that I am finally free.
[Pre-Chorus]
The tension leaves the muscles in my neck,
the heartbeat finds its easy, steady pace.
I leave the porch light glowing in the calm,
no shadow in this place.
[Chorus]
Cotton dress and river sand.
The morning touches everything with gold,
the finest story that was ever told.
No heavy anchor pulling down the sound,
cotton dress and river sand.
[Verse 2]
The clock keeps ticking gentle on the wall,
the daily paper resting on the chair.
I watch the yellow sparrows in the air,
and do not fear the winter or the fall.
The wooden table holds my notebook page,
the ink is dry, the letters firm and clear.
I step beyond the former narrow stage,
with nothing left to fear.
[Chorus]
Cotton dress and river sand.
The morning touches everything with gold,
the finest story that was ever told.
No heavy anchor pulling down the sound,
cotton dress and river sand.
[Bridge]
Oh, the longest road has brought me to the peace,
the river flowing calm into the sea.
To open up the fingers and release,
is how the soul is free.
[Chorus]
Cotton dress and river sand.
The morning touches everything with gold,
the finest story that was ever told.
No heavy anchor pulling down the sound,
cotton dress and river sand.
[Lingering Rhodes Outro]
The copper kettle whistles on the flame...
Cotton dress and river sand.
[Fade Out]
[End]