RIPPLE IN STILL WATER

© 2009 Howard McQueen
Lyrics to song "Ripple" by the Grateful Dead

The inner terrain,
once full of scary fearbergs,
jutting ominously out of unexplored subconscious -
mind petrified by fear,
locked up in anger.

[transformation by perspective shift]

Revealed now as the pure white,
multi-petaled eternal Lotus Blossom,
fed by the pool/fountain/well-spring of spirit.

No longer a need to distinguish between inner and outer,
as nothing is seen as cut off.
There is but one highly diversified spring,
radiating spirit, nourishing All.


Ripple
From the first time I heard this Grateful Dead song, I was lulled into the Silence of these beautiful lyrics. After I wrote the above posting, one line of the lyrics was whispered to me ... "There is a road, no simple highway" ... . I went looking for the lyrics to read them once more. Jerry Garcia adds a mystical set of pauses and detachment, so the below lyrics do not quite come alive without his unique tempo and dispassionate delivery. - (imho) HM

The Grateful Dead "Ripple" (from the American Beauty album)
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.

La dee da da da, La da da da da, Da da da, Da da, Da da da da da
La da da da, La da da, Da da, La da da da, La da, Da da.