Children's Lament

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Robert Hunter

A song from Robert Hunter's first album--notable for being one of the most extensive recordings of his bagpipe playing.

In an interview with David Gans, Hunter said he wrote it in Barcelona in 1970 or 1971:

"I wrote a good deal there. I wrote 'Won't you sing Melinda, won't you sing for me' like that, looking down into the street in Barcelona while the rain was falling. And it was just really lovely."

When a child is being born
Cut the cord and tie a knot
Be sure you cut it with a keen blade
Life is short and full of thorns

Clear his throat
Be sure he cries out
Wash him clean and keep him warm
You gave him life
The truest thing you'll ever give
And his time will come
When your work is done
When your work is done

Won't you sing, Melinda
Won't you sing for me?
While the rain
While the rain is falling down
Slowly falls the rain outside
Won't you sing, Melinda, sing
Won't you sing
One last song for me?

In the hour of your dying
Point your breath and think away
In one brief moment
All eternity comes clear

Give yourself unto the light
Gladly
Have no fear
It gave you life
The only thing it has to give
And your time will come
When your work is done
When your work is done

Won't you sing, Melinda
Won't you sing for me?
While the rain
While the rain is falling down
Slowly falls the rain outside
Won't you sing, Melinda, sing
Won't you sing
One last song for me?