Lyrics: Robert Hunter?
Music: David Nelson
A new song played by the New Riders of the Purple Sage.
Riders Base says it's a
Hunter/Nelson song, but I haven't seen that confirmed elsewhere.
A San Francisco hooker running from the State Police
Her name was Henrietta, she arranged her home release
I met her in New Mexico, darkness was her mask
Told me things I'd like to know, but I never thought to ask
I was too busy talking to hear what she did say
I never was the silent type, and it suited her OK
She didn't force the issue in our precious little time
She spoke of heading south but the words were mostly mine
Her eyes were like the sunrise, her smile was like a star
Showing you the way back home however lost you are
Her kiss was like the summer as it blossoms out of spring
Her voice was like a melody the birds at twilight sing
Was she really Henrietta, no I don't think she was
I think she made the name up, if only just because
Upon her linen hankerchief embroidered with rosettes
I saw the letters R.I.P, such things you don't forget
Her lips were red as sunsets with forest fires aflame
I didn't stop to analyse what might lie in her name
The R might stand for Ruby, the I for Isobelle
And if I knew what the P was, I could say I knew her well
Her eyes were like the sunrise, her smile was like a star
Showing you the way back home however lost you are
Her kiss was like the summer as it blossoms out of spring
Her voice was like a melody the birds at twilight sing
When the road is cold up yonder, I don't know if I'll be there
But anywhere I wander, and I do mean anywhere
I hope to find a pallet and a pillow for my head
And a girl named Henrietta at the place my path has led