Mercury

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Alex Koford

A new song by Alex Koford, with lyrics by Robert Hunter, played with Colonel and the Mermaids and with Phil Lesh & the Terrapin Family Band.

Alex Koford introduced it on 16 February 2019:

"One of my favourite songs I've written. It's a cool story. Ross [James] and I play with Phil, Phil Lesh. And we have the privilege of getting our hands on some of Robert Hunter's lyrics that were given to Phil. And I ended up writing a song this year that kind of fell into place with those lyrics perfectly. And every time I play it I feel really appreciative of the fact that not only that I got the chance to do something like that, but the fact that it worked out the way that it did, and fit together so well, like a puzzle. So this song's called Mercury. I haven't really officially asked Hunter. But they were given to Phil, and Phil gave me the OK. I haven't recorded the tune or anything. I think it's probably OK that we play it live."

I really got to talk to you
There's something on my mind
I'm having trouble sleeping
And you know I'm not that kind
But lately when I fall asleep
Comes the strangest dreams
Trying to tell me something
And I don't know what it means

I see a flight of sparrows
Catch fire on the wing
I see a mighty tower fall
Then dark on everything

I see the generations feed
On crusts of naked fear
A child looking crosswise
To a shining frontier
Facing towards the north lands
Of rubble, stone and woe
He says "this could be heaven"
In a voice as soft as snow

I awake in darkness
I can't sleep no more
That's why I called you up here
At a quarter after four

Walking up and down this restless highway
Sleeping in a sunrise overnight
Writing lines on postcards signed with fire
Believing every word that I write

I've got lessons to be learned
And lessons I could teach
About the strength of branches
And fruits just out of reach
Cups that slip from hand to lip
Tears too cold to cry
Worlds too far to travel
But not to far to try

Who am I to linger
In the ashes of the night
I am just a singer
Of things both dark and bright

Walking up and down in search of heaven
High, low and under every rock
I even asked directions of the lightning
But it won't say 'cause it don't talk

I can't walk on water
I can't walk on sand
I will walk on air
To meet you where you stand