STANDING ON THE LEVEE

Lyrics & Music by: Ian McLeish
 

1.
We were standing on the levee, dreaming as that big boat slipped away -
We were hoping we could board her, but I knew our chance had come and gone that day;
No money in our pockets and our hats in our hands -
Watching as she turned the bend. trying to understand -
We'd seen our last tomorrow but we still had plans...

2.
Junie took me to the gristmill, foreman said that they could use a helping hand -
And as that big wheel kept on a-turning, the memories were more than I could stand;
Thinking of the old days on that river queen -
When I was strong and the days were long and the air was clean -
The young boys working with me, they don't know what I mean...

Bridge.
Now, you can't love a woman that you ain't never seen;
And you can't face the sunrise if you're living in a dream -
But I swear by all I've lived for, if I had the chance today -
I'd ride that big stern wheeler, and this time -
This time I would stay.

3.
Now, we all get just what we ask for - I've known it all along here in my heart;
But I can hear that steamboat whistle, I can see those paddles turning in the dark -
They say that if your chance comes, grab it on the run -
Have I spent too long remembering my days in the sun?
How can my life be over when it's just begun?

We were standing on the levee...
 
 

Copyright: 1994 Ian McLeish
Published:  1994  Mousehole Music   SOCAN