I sat me down to write a simple story
which maybe in the end became a song
In trying to find the words which might begin it

I found these were the thoughts I brought along
At first I took my weight to be an anchor
and gathered up my fears to guide me round

but then I clearly saw my own delusion
and found my struggles further bogged me down
In starting out I thought to go exploring

and set my foot upon the nearest road
In vain I looked to find the promised turning
but only saw how far I was from home

In searching I forsook the paths of learning
and sought instead to find some pirate's gold
In fighting I did hurt those dearest to me

and still no hidden truths could I unfold
I sat me down to write a simple story
which maybe in the end became a song

The words have all been writ by one before me
We're taking turns in trying to pass them on
Oh, we're taking turns in trying to pass them on