I sat me down to write a simple story which maybe in the end became a song In trying to find the words which might begin it I found these were the thoughts I brought along At first I took my weight to be an anchor and gathered up my fears to guide me round but then I clearly saw my own delusion and found my struggles further bogged me down In starting out I thought to go exploring and set my foot upon the nearest road In vain I looked to find the promised turning but only saw how far I was from home In searching I forsook the paths of learning and sought instead to find some pirate's gold In fighting I did hurt those dearest to me and still no hidden truths could I unfold I sat me down to write a simple story which maybe in the end became a song The words have all been writ by one before me We're taking turns in trying to pass them on Oh, we're taking turns in trying to pass them on