Harmony Grass

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Harmony Grass were a British sunshine pop group that formed in Essex. Their brief career saw the release of one album & a successful January 1969 single "Move In a Little Closer" which charted at #24 on the UK singles chart. They broke up in 1970.

RECOMMENDED SONG: What a Groovy Day (song video below)

ALSO CHECK OUT: I've Seen To Dream, Move in a Little Closer, My Little Girl

Growing Concern

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The Growing Concern, from Chicago (USA), started as a mid-1960's garage band, then saw their sound evolve into psychedelic rock by the late 60's. Their lone self-titled album was released in 1969 to positive reviews. Despite having a good combination of heavy rock & pop sensibility, their work was largely ignored at the time.

RECOMMENDED SONG: What Kind of Life (song video below)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Sit Down I Think I Love You, Tomorrow Has Been Cancelled

The Groop

The Groop were a harmony-based, vocal soft psychedelic pop quartet based out of Los Angeles, California (USA). Their sound can best be compared to the Fifth Dimension. They released one unsuccessful self-titled album from which came two singles. However, their song "A Famous Myth" was included on the contemporary 'Midnight Cowboy' film soundtrack. 

FAVORITE SONG: A Famous Myth (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO RECOMMENDED: The Jet Song

Lyrics: A Famous Myth

Gonna exchange my things for precious wings, and fly

Over the valley of the kings and the queens where the sleeping, cities lie

One bright night, gonna fly right, out my window

Gonna fly so high, in the night sky, that the people below won't see me go, by

Gonna fly all around and smile down on the sleeping, countryside

Fly all around never come down till Soloman, takes another bride

Then I'm gonna exchange my precious wings, for things and die

Over the valley of the kings and the queens where the sleeping, cities lie

One bright night, gonna fly right, out my window

Gonna fly so high, in the night sky, that the people below won't see me go, by

Gonna fly all around, and smile down on the sleeping, countryside

Fly all around never come down till Soloman, takes another bride

Then I'm gonna exchange my precious wings, for things and die

Over the valley of the kings and the queens where the sleeping, cities lie

One bright night, gonna fly right, out my window

Gonna fly so high, in the night sky, that the people below won't see me go, by.

Green

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Green was a psychedelic pop band, primarily out of Denton, Texas (USA). Their 1969 self-titled debut album fell mostly upon deaf ears & their 1971 follow-up was uninspired. Nonetheless, Green has developed somewhat of a cult following over the years.

MY FAVORITE SONG: Sparkle (song video below)

Grapefruit

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Grapefruit were a talented late 60's British psychedelic band that formed in 1967. Given praise by the Beatles, they were signed to Apple publishing. Though making demos & recordings under Apple, the songs were never released at the time. In 1968 & 1969 they released two albums & several singles - garnering minor airplay, but 'Dear Delilah' did hit #18 in Canada. All 5 members of the band were related to or performed before or after their breakup with such artists as the Easybeats, AC/DC, Cliff Richard, Roger Daltrey, David Essex, Mott the Hoople and many others.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Dear Delilah (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Elevator, Yesterday's Sunshine

LYRICS: Dear Delilah

Each night when watching dying of the day

I seem to find I hardly know my way around

Even with the crowd I'm on my own

Now she's gone

I don't know if I'm lost or found

You're bringing me down dear Delilah

I can see you hanging around dear Delilah

It's hard to realize and harder to see-ee

And harder still when someone tells you

She wanted someone else that I couldn't be

You're bringing me down dear Delilah

I can see you coming around dear Delilah

Wind blown and I'm falling with the wind

Was I too fast or too slow

Or did the weather change

You're bringing me down dear Delilah

I can see you coming around dear Delilah

And when you ask me if I need her I do-ooh

But ask me why and I can't tell you

I only know that she means so much to me

You're bringing me down dear Delilah (yeh yeh)

I can see you coming around dear Delilah

You're bringing me down dear Delilah (yeh yeh)

I can see you coming around dear Delilah

You're bringing me down dear Delilah (yeh yeh)

I can see you coming around dear Delilah

Gordian Knot

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Originally from Mississippi & then New York, the Gordian Knot eventually found themselves entwined in the Los Angeles, California sunshine pop scene of the late 1960's. They produced just one harmonious & critically acclaimed album, the sound often compared to the Association, but failed to impact commercially. The Gordian Knot, however, did not play but only sang vocals on the album. Music was performed by "The Wrecking Crew," famous for their studio musicianship for many famous 1960's bands & artists such as The Beach Boys. During their short stint, they entertained countless Southern California parties frequented by Hollywood elites. In addition they toured Vietnam with friend and fan Nancy Sinatra.

RECOMMENDED SONG: We Must Being Doing Somethin' Right (song video below)

ALSO CHECK OUT: It's Gonna Take a Lot, The Year of the Sun

Gentle Soul

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The Gentle Soul was a Los Angeles, California folk band formed in 1966. Produced by Terry Melcher (Byrds, Paul Revere & the Raiders), they released 3 singles and an album in 1967 & 1968 using studio musicians. Sundazed Records re-released their sole album in 2002, which included an array of never before released recordings. For a brief time the group included Jackson Browne as a musician. Browne became an accomplished solo artist in the 1970's.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Flying Thing (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Our National Anthem

Lyrics: Flying Thing

She's a flying thing that sinks

With her eyes like smokey rings

And the sun can feel her presence in my sky

And I think I'm gonna stay (la la-la)

Cause there's nothing in our way

And she says that she can teach me how to fly (teach me how to fly)

If I can love her more than I have ever loved before

Then tomorrow I'll be standing at her door

And when I hear her voice

I have no other choice

But to bend back my head and search the sky

Her hair is done so fine (la la-la)

Cause a smell like laughing wine

And she says that she can teach me how to fly (teach me how to fly)

If I could give her all the things she'd never heard before

Then tomorrow I'll be standing at her door

To see her walking by

Is to see her windy sky

And the clouds leave work done in her eyes

And the softness of her skin (la la-la)

Makes me wonder where I've been

And she says that she can teach me how to fly (teach me how to fly)

If she could love me more than she has ever loved before

Then tomorrow I'll be standing at her door

She's a flying thing that sinks (la la-la)

With her eyes like smokey rings

And she says that she can teach me how to fly (teach me how to fly)

And she says that she can teach me how to fly (teach me how to fly)

And she says that she can teach me how to fly (teach me how to fly)

Gary Walker & the Rain

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Gary Walker & the Rain's reign was short & not so sweet. Formed in 1967, after a less-than-spectacular debut single, "Spooky," UK Polydor reluctantly gave the band permission to record an album, which they did. However the record company refused to release it. But it wasn't all bad, as Japan devoured their music, giving the band godlike status in that country. After several more failed singles, the Rain called it quits just one year after forming.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Magazine Woman (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Market Tavern

LYRICS: Magazine Woman

Imagine the scenes that you've seen in your dreams with the woman

The scenes in your dreams make it seem like you've been with that woman

Magazine woman, magazine woman

It's so strange as it seems that it isn't quite real but supposing

The feelings you feel become real even though you're just dozing

Magazine woman, magazine woman

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

It's certainly nice when you know you can go when you need to

It's certainly nice when you get to the place someone needs you

Magazine woman, magazine woman

It's so good to know if you go there you know she is waiting

This woman you dream of you know she is hating your waiting

Magazine woman, magazine woman

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to the sky

Run, run, run, run, run to this woman

Run, run, run, run, run to this woman

Run, run, run, run, run to this woman

Run, run, run, run, run to this woman

Gandalf

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Gandalf were a misfortunate USA psychedelic rock band formed in 1965 in New York City. Under pressure to change their name, which the record company & producers found unappealing, the band refused. Though recorded in 1967, their one & only album wasn't released until 1969. In addition the wrong record was placed in the sleeve upon release, and furthermore Capitol Records refused to promote it. The band has recently gained cult status as the quality of their music speaks for itself.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Hang On To a Dream (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Nature Boy, Me About You

LYRICS: Hang On To a Dream

What can I say, she's walking away

From what we've seen

What can I do, still loving you

It's all a dream

How can we hang on to a dream (Oh)

How can it really be the way it seems

What can I do, she's saying we're through

With how it was

And what will I try, I still don't see why

She says what she does

How can we hang on to a dream (Oh)

And how can it really be the way it seems

How can we hang on to a dream (Oh)

How can we hang on to a dream (Oh)

How can it really be the way it seems (The way it seems)

How can we hang on to a dream

How can it really be the way it seems (The way it seems)

How can we hang on to a dream

How can it really be the way it seems (The way it seems)

Freeborne

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The Freeborne were a teenage USA psychedelic rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1966. The band released just one album, "Peak Impression," in 1967. Success was minimal, partly resulting from a lack of touring, with some members still attending high school (age ranges being from 17 to 19). The band was dropped from their record label & broke-up soon thereafter.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Peak Impressions and Thoughts (song video below)

Free Design

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The Free Design was a Delevan, New York based vocalist sunshine pop band who released several albums from 1967 to 1972 and re-formed briefly in 2001. The members were all part of the same Dedrick family - Chris, Sandy & Bruce as they began their career with younger sisters Ellen & Stefanie joining towards the end of their first run. Their dad & uncle also played minor roles. Early influences were vocal bands such as The Hi-Los & Peter, Paul and Mary. Excluding their 2001 comeback, Free Design released 7 albums - accompanied on the records by studio musicians. Though notoriety was originally nearly non-existent (except for the 1968 single "Kites Are Fun," which peaked at #114 in USA), they eventually became cult legends as interest in them started to grow in the 1990's. Since their re-discovery, they have influencing bands such as Stereolab, Cornelius, Pizzicato Five, Beck & The High Llamas. Also during their popularity revival, their music has appeared in film, showtime series, theme to a popular podcast, & numerous TV commercials worldwide.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Kites Are Fun (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Canada in Springtime, My Brother Woody

LYRICS: Kites Are Fun

I like flying

Flying kites

Flying kites

Flying kites

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

See my kite, it's fun

See my kite, it's green and white

Laughing in its distant flight

All that's between us is a little yellow string

But we like each other more than anything

And we run along together through the field behind my house

And the little drops of rain caress our face and wash my blouse

And we'd like to be a zillion miles away from everyone

'Cause Mom and Dad and Uncle Bill don't realize

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

See my kite, it's green and white

Laughing in its distant flight

All that's between us is a little yellow string

But we like each other more than anything

And we run along together through the field behind my house

And the little drops of rain caress our face and wash my blouse

And we'd like to be a zillion miles away from everyone

'Cause Mom and Dad and Uncle Bill don't realize

I like flying

Flying kites

Flying kites

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

Kites are fun

See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)

See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)

See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)

See my kite, it's fun (See my kite, kites are fun)

See my kite, it's fun

Forum Quorum

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The Forum Quorum was an Astoria, New York city band formed in 1967, comprising of five 17 to 19 year old Greek & Italian boys. Signing to Decca records, they released just one self-titled album in 1968. During their three year existence they also appeared twice on the Mike Douglas television show, & in the film "Mission Mars." Liner notes from their only album explain the origin of the band name... The Forum: A place where people met in the Greco-Roman times to air views and exchange view. A Quorum: Enough people on hand to make something happen.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Misery (song video below)

Forever Amber

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Forever Amber was a financially struggling six-piece band from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (UK). Formed in 1967, they managed to record their one and only record, a concept album in 1968 called 'The Love Cycle.' Only 99 copies were manufactured to avoid a purchase tax. In the 1980's the album became a cult classic and was heavily bootlegged. Its first official release didn't come until 2007.

RECOMMENDED SONG: On Top Of My Own Special Mountain

ALSO CHECK OUT: Bits of Your Life, Bits of My Life

Focal Point

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From Liverpool, England. Being the first band signed to their the Beatles' Apple Records label, Focal Point became an enigma, a big "what if" story, only releasing one single in 1968. Though other songs were recorded, they were never released at the time due to mismanagement, trouble with the record label & other issues. After becoming a full-time touring group, the band eventually broke up in 1970. In the 2000's, much of their unreleased music was finally made public to the delight of collectors.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Far Away From Forever

ALSO CHECK OUT: Lonely Woman, Girl On the Corner

Fever Tree

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Fever Tree was an American psychedelic rock band hailing from Houston, Texas. During the late 60's they had modest success with their hit "San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)." They also notched two USA Top-100 albums (another peaking at #156) & several low charting singles. The group broke up in 1970 & briefly re-formed in 1978 with just one original member.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Love Makes the Sun Rise (song video below + lyrics)

Lyrics: Love Makes the Sun Rise

Love makes the sunrise

Love makes the sunset

Love is the only thing I haven't had yet

Love

Ooooh love

Come with me before it's colder girl

Come with me before we're older girl

Come with me, tell me a story of....

Show me the glory of love

Teach me

Teach me

Teach me to love every flower, every tree

Teach me to love, even me oh

Cause love makes the sunrise

Love makes the sunset

Love is the only thing I haven't had yet

Love

Oooh love

Love makes the sunrise and love makes the sunset

Love is the only thing

The only thing I haven't had

Oh

I haven't had it....

Yet

Love

Oooooh love

Federal Duck

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Federal Duck was a soft psychedelic pop/rock Haverford, Pennsylvania (USA) college band. For $100 (or even less) the band would play nearly anywhere on or near campus. Along with standard instruments they would also incorporate flutes, horns, violin, banjo, and more into their repertoire. Their lifespan as a recording group was brief and unceremonious. Their lone self-titled psychedelic 1968 album was recorded at Groove Sound Studios in New York City. It, however, was probably more deserving that its actual fate.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Peace in my Mind (song video below + Lyrics)

Lyrics: Peace in my Mind

Can't find nothin' where I'm goin'

Guess I'll have to find another road

Can't look back, can't turn around

Can't find the ground on which to stand

Where have I gone away from you

Ever to find peace in my mind

What do I do when I am alone

I sit and think and watch the sun go down

Sunsets in the west that's where I'm goin'

To see where all journeys end

Where have I gone away from you

Ever to find peace in my mind

Flower Pot Men

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The Flower Pot Men (sometimes spelled as one word - FlowerPot), were a quintessential 60's psychedelic vocalist pop band comprised of several session vocalists. The group's distinct sound was characterized by rich, three-part vocal harmonies. The unit was put together by two main songwriters of the vocally rich Ivy League, John Carter & Ken Lewis. Together the two recorded the worldwide hit "Let's Go To San Francisco." However when Carter & Lewis decided they had zero interest in touring, the Deram record company had a dilemma - a hit but no band to promote it. Carter & Lewis, who would still write & produce the unit's records through 1968, hand-picked various studio session musicians & vocalists to carry on the physical presence and sound of the Flower Pot Men. After some success with the follow-up single "A Walk in the Sky" (#4 in the Netherlands & popular in Germany), the remainder of the decade would see several singles but diminishing returns. By 1969 there was little left of the original hand-picked members, as well as Carter & Lewis' contributions. The band had dissolved by 1970. NOTE: In America, they were frequently referred to "The Flower Men" on radio due to the then controversial nature of their name.

RECOMMENDED SONG: A Walk in the Sky (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO RECOMMENDED: You Can Never Be Wrong

Lyrics: A Walk In The Sky

You got wings of a bird (Wings of a bird)

So you think you can fly (So you think you can fly)

Well now, get up and go (Get up and go)

Take a walk in the sky

You can sell the meadows of crystal blue

Where the trees are chocolate bars

And when darkness covers your avenue

You can help to polish the stars (Help to polish the stars)

Help to polish the stars

Love birds looking for trees (Looking for trees)

Have a look in their eyes (Have a look in their eyes)

If you know what I mean (Know what I mean)

Take a walk in the sky

Take a walk in the sky

Tell your mother goodbye

Won't be back home for tea

Take a walk in the sky

And you'll find out why

That you're gonna be free (You're gonna be free, oh yeah)

Take a walk in the sky

If you're gonna go wild

There are meadows of blue (And reality)

Take a walk in the sky

And you'll never deny what is true

(Never deny, never deny, no, no, no, no, no, no)

You got wings of a bird (Wings of a bird)

So you think you can fly (So you think you can fly)

Well now, get up and go (Get up and go)

Take a walk in the sky

There are rainbows ready to ride upon

And the clouds are peppermint green

And you'll never know where your life has come

Till you lived your life in a dream (Lived your life in a dream)

Lived your life in a dream

La la la la la la, la la la la la la

La la la la la la, la la la la la la

Fairytale

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The Fairytale formed in February 1967 in Lancashire, England. They split one year later. They released two singles in 1967 on Decca records. The 2nd and more memorable of the singles, "Lovely People," should be included in any compilation of hippie anthems of the psychedelic era.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Lovely People (song video below + lyrics)

LYRICS: Lovely People

Lovely people, lovely people

Lovely people like you and me

People hanging around you like mist on a morning lake

Focus your eyes upon them, don’t let them slip away

The world is out to make you one of its living dead

So lift your head up slowly, reach out for the morning sun

Reach out for the morning sun

Do-do-do-do-do do do, do-do-do-do-do do do

Do do do do, do do do do, do do do do, do

Do-do-do-do-do do do, do-do-do-do-do do do

Do do do do, do do do do, do do do do, do

Do-do-do-do-do do do, do-do-do-do-do do do

La la la la la la, la la la la la

La la la la la la, la la la la la

La la la la la la, la la la la la

La la la la la la, la la la la la

Lovely people, lovely people

Lovely people like you and me

Faine Jade

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From Long Island, New York, guitarist Faine Jade began as a member of the Rustics in the mid-'60s. He released his one-and-only solo record in 1968. Though obscure at the time, the album "Introspection: A Faine Jade Recital," is an eccentric, Syd Barrett inspired odyssey of psychedelia. Today the album is highly coveted by collectors of psychedelic music. He recorded an album with another band in 1970 & has since been mostly inactive.

RECOMMENDED SONG: On The Inside There's a Middle (song video below)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Cold Winter Sun Symphony in D Major

Eternity's Children

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Eternity's Children, formed in 1967, was a USA sunshine pop band that originated in Cleveland, Mississippi. After securing a recording contract, the band re-located to Los Angeles, where sunshine pop was booming. Their first single flopped, but they got noticed and soon were opening for bands like Strawberry Alarm Clock & The Blues Magoos. After changing labels & signing to Capitol, and getting hooked up with sunshine pop producer extraordinaire Curt Boettcher, they hit with, "Mrs. Bluebird." Bolstered by an appearance on American Bandstand, the tune reached #69 in USA & #58 in Canada. Another song, "Sunshine Among Us" (#117 USA) received minor airplay. They released their first of two albums in 1968 but tension within the band resulted in the use of several session musicians rather than original members. The album failed to chart. A second album was recorded, but Capitol records withdrew its release in America (it saw limited release in Canada). A third album was planned in 1969 but it never materialized. After Capitol cut ties with the band, the became an unsuccessful singles-only band until their demise in 1974.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Mrs. Bluebird (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Flowers, My Happiness Day, Wanna Be With You

LYRICS: Mrs. Bluebird

Mrs. Bluebird, on my shoulder

How's  your life since you've gotten older?

How's  Mr. Bluebird? Is he well?

Keepin' warm through the cold spell

Mr. Bluebird, I have told her

That  you're old but nonetheless bolder

You've  had your life, oh, so well

Thoughts of death we musn't dwell

Mrs.  Bluebird, on my shoulder

How's your life since you've gotten older?

How's Mr. Bluebird? Is he well?

Keepin' warm through the cold spell

Mark Eric

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You've heard of one-hit wonders, but Mark Eric (last name Malmborg) was a one-album wonder. Maybe not commercially valid at the time, Mark's Beach Boys-inspired 1969 album "A Midsummer's Day Dream" was California Sunshine Pop at it's finest. It's considered a collector's classic these days. However, modeling and acting was his real dream (he had roles in many early 1970's TV sitcoms & a few movies as well). He literally walked away & totally disappeared from the music scene. A total "what could have been" story.

RECOMMENDED SONG: California Home (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Don't Cry Over Me, Where Do the Girls of the Summer Go?

LYRICS: California Home

California, three hours away

Thinking of you just makes my day

All I know is I'm all alone

California, I'm coming home

Indiana was cloudy and grey

Illinois was about the same way

Homesick hours I spent lying 'round

DC-9, please take off the ground

Every night I dreamed that I would lose the right way back

But then a California girl would show me where it's at

LA Airport is coming in sight

There's my beach and the hills off to the right

Hollywood, get out your floodlights

California, I have arrived

The End

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The End (not to be confused with a 60's California band of the same name) was a psychedelic pop band hailing from England. Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones) both produced their music & arranged the band to tour with the Rolling Stones. The End were mainly a singles-only band until the release of their one-and-only album in 1969. In 1970 The End transitioned to hard rock renaming themselves Tucker Buzzard, releasing 3 more obscure albums under Wyman's control. They finally completely dissolved in 1973. Though relatively undiscovered at the time, The End would eventually earn street cred thanks to a 1996 CD comprising of 61 released & unreleased songs.

RECOMMENDED SONG: Shades of Orange (song video below + lyrics)

ALSO CHECK OUT: Loving, Sacred Loving, Don't Take Me, Under the Rainbow, Cardboard Watch

LYRICS: Shades of Orange

There he stands in

Shades of orange light

To chase away

The evils of the night

People came to

Worship in the flame

And build the golden temples

To his name

Then with bands

Of burning metal bright

They climbed into the mountains

Of the night

And the temples

That were left would show

The thousands

Coming after we're to go

One little mind

Was left behind

He would never see the land

He would never die

He would never understand

The reason why 

Now the sun shines

Down on him each day

And he just sits

And passes time away

But he can’t explain

The golden lights

He sees upon

The mountains of the night

One little mind

Was left behind

He would never see the land

He would never die

He would never understand

He would never see the land

He would never die

He would never understand