Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: David Gans
A new (2004) Hunter/Gans collaboration.
I have always lived here
In a house with many rooms
Lived and loved and died here
A cradle and a tomb
Walked around in circles
Laid dead drunk on the floor
Spent a long time dreaming
Of walking out the door
I have always lived here
For as long as I recall
Watching winter wash away
The rusty springs of Fall
The sacrificial innocents
Dance crossed-eyed in the street
Blood-soaked blossoms in their hair
And tap shoes on their feet
Sail away into glory
To a world that's sweet and true
I have always lived here
Right across the street from you
Sail away into glory
To a sky beyond the blue
I have always lived here
Right across the street from you
I have always lived here
Though I sometimes change my name
Move around from room to room
The address remains the same
My windows open outward
To the weariness and pain
Others open inward
Sweet solitude again
You have always lived here
In a house across the street
I've seen you come and go
And hope some day to meet
Coming home from summer
Or retreating to the shore
I never found a reason
To knock upon your door
Sail away into glory
To a world that's sweet and true
I have always lived here
Right across the street from you
Sail away into glory
To a sky beyond the blue
I have always lived here
Right across the street from you
A hundred years have fluttered by
Like moth wings in the dust
I lived here because of you
And paid the rent on trust
Saw arclamps grow from gaslamps
Boulevard from cobbled lane
You've always lived across from me
And I still don't know your name
I've never met a stranger
Seen an unfamiliar face
Though when I have been in danger
I've seen some I couldn't place
Please jog my recollection
I could swear we've met before
Were you asking for protection
When our countries were at war?
Or are you from the summit
Where a mountain meets the sky
And blessed children walk on air
And no one has to die
If so, it won't surprise me
I'd expect that much from you
But if you're just the girl next door
My love will still be true