Spring Returns to the Riverbank

[Intro]

[Verse 1]

A rope at the ferry landing holds a boat that has not left

The mountains of home hide behind mountains not so far away

Across a stretch of water, I know the way toward the shore

Yet I must press the thought of going home back into my trunk

[Pre-Chorus]

The tide comes asking why I do not set sail tonight

I entrust my answer to the moonlight on the river

[Chorus]

The spring breeze crossed the river ahead of me

Tinting the familiar eaves with a narrow border of fresh green

I stand here gazing at a distance right before my eyes

I imagine you pushing open the door and saying the food is still warm

If the moon first shines on the window I hold in my thoughts

Please tell them for me that I too am looking that way

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 2]

The city bells hurry people to sort fresh official papers

The lights at the dock reflect each traveler's cares

Some responsibilities keep me from turning back at once

Yet some longing never agrees to arrive even a minute late

[Pre-Chorus]

The tide comes asking why I do not set sail tonight

I entrust my answer to the moonlight on the river

[Chorus]

The spring breeze crossed the river ahead of me

Tinting the familiar eaves with a narrow border of fresh green

I stand here gazing at a distance right before my eyes

I imagine you pushing open the door and saying the food is still warm

If the moon first shines on the window I hold in my thoughts

Please tell them for me that I too am looking that way

[Bridge]

I won't speak of homesickness as a wish that weighs so little

Nor take the daily waiting for granted

When my travels can finally trace a route home

Day by day, I'll make up for the time together I owe you

[Final Chorus]

The spring breeze crossed the river ahead of me

Tinting the familiar eaves with a narrow border of fresh green

I stand here gazing at a distance right before my eyes

I imagine you pushing open the door and saying the food is still warm

If the moon first shines on the window I hold in my thoughts

Please tell them for me that I too am looking that way

[Outro]

Tonight this clear moonlight falls on shoulders in two distant places

The wind has reached home and I too will find my course back