Mad River

Lyrics

The Hupa knew for centuries Mad River feeds on memories She steals the things we leave behind The fragments of a shattered mind

She murmurs names in canyon walls Replays regrets as water falls A cradle once, now grave and guide She keeps the secrets I can’t hide

And flow she must into the sea As all things do, eventually

They marked my brow with smoke and fire A boy unmade for new desire Through gravel’s teeth and willow’s breath I met the mouth that promised death

She coiled ‘round my shaking knees And whispered truths like rustling leaves She said you’ll break, but still be free And vanished in the redwood trees

And flow she must into the sea As all things do, eventually

The years are clouds that never lift My mind, a boat that’s come adrift I call her name, but find no sound Just water pulling me down

She visits now in flash and dream Soft laughter tangled in the stream She took my thoughts and gave me peace But left me longing for release

And flow she must into the sea As all things do, eventually

And flow she must into the sea As all things do, eventually