Lyrics & Music: Ian McLeish
 
 

1.
A tree can wait as the world goes by -
It grows, it takes it's own time;
Years can pass by it with barely a sigh,
But unlike a tree you'll find -
I'm not made of wood and I can't wait for long -
My days are short, my nights are blind;
I can't be had for a leaf or a song -
My roots are too deep to find.

Chorus 1.
So if you want to take your time, don't take it with me -
'Cause going slow and being sure are things I just can't see;
I'm not about to waste my nights waiting for your words -
I can't see love as something that can be learned.

2.
I've got a feeling your sights are set on me -
To say we couldn't make it ain't very wise;
My roots are growing and my branches are free -
Can't you uncover the hurt behind my eyes?
I know but you don't - there'll be better times -
Times for making things worthwhile;
I know, but you don't - time paints fresh designs -
Can't you see a new line in my smile?

Chorus 2.
So if you want to take your time, don't take mine with you too -
'Cause going slow and being safe are things I just can't do;
I'm not about to rush my life or tear down any trees -
But waiting on an unsure thing doesn't make it with me.
 

Copyright: 1974 Ian Mcleish
Published: 1974 McMusic Ltd. CAPAC
Renewed: 1994 Mousehole Music SOCAN
 
 

CHUCK: Drums
IAN: Acoustic guitar, synthesizer bass, vocal
 

Can't Wait For Long - Ottawa, Summer 1974.
One of my earliest songs that I still am proud of, written about a young lady who wanted to settle down with me. I was not ready at such a period in my life to 'wait until marriage' or hang around and partake of a long courtship. I never saw her after that time, and occaisionally wonder what became of her. Did she find a good man? Is she happy? I'll probably never know.