[Verse 1] Oh, the birds are ringing in the opening act of spring And I have fallen down and I'm so much worse than I have ever been Oh, the season's acting strange and I know that something has to change But there is no path I can choose that will not bring somebody pain
[Chorus] And oh, please, forgive me for the things that I must do But oh, though I have hurt so many people, it was never my intention to hurt you
[Verse 2] Oh, the clouds are gathered thick And in my stomach I feel sick And I have all this drive and no idea what I should do with it But they say there is a calm after the passing of the storm So I can dream of going back outside when the rain and thunder's done
[Chorus] And oh, please, forgive me for the things that I must do But oh, though I have hurt so many people, it was never my intention to hurt you
[Bridge] And all the old folk say they can tell which way the river's flowing Tell which way the wind is blowing By watching careful for the signs among the little things The barking dogs, the birds on wing And I am deaf and blind And I can't say if I can change the patterns that have caused you pain For I was raised in suburbs, sheltered from the sun and rain Far away from subtle season's change
[Verse 3] Oh, baby, I will read about the buzzing of the bees About the grass and snakes and spawning lakes and the different types of trees And I will find a way that leads from cruel April into May And someday soon it will be June and you'll decide to stay
[Outro] And oh, please, forgive me for the things that I have done Oh, I will carry your umbrella in the summer And I'll shade you from the sun