Cousins
Maybe you think, a lot like me
Of those who live beside the sea
Who feel so free, so I surmise
With their comfortable* homes and wives
Who end up drinking tea together
In the afternoon of their lives.
They build their homes upon the seashore
The quicksand castles of their dreams
Yet take no notice of the North wind
Which tears their buildings at the seams.
In their dismay and blind confusion
The weeping widows clutch their shawls
While as the sea mist ever deepens
The sailors hear the sirens' calls.
And in the maelstrom sea which follows
The lifeboat sinks without a trace
And yet there still remain survivors
To bear the shame of their disgrace.
Last night I lay in bed and held myself
Trying to remember how it once was with you
How your hands were softer.
Yesterday I found myself staring into space
Rather like the sailor in my own home surroundings
I'm not sure I know me.
If you were me, what would you do ?
Don't tell me I don't need you to
It won't help me now.
If you were me, what would you do ?
Don't tell me I don't need you to
It won't help me now.
* on some recordings they sing fashionable instead of comfortable (eg BBC live in concert)
Down By The Sea Lyrics performed by The Strawbs are property and copyright of the authors, artists and labels. You should note that Down By The Sea Lyrics performed by The Strawbs is only provided for educational purposes only and if you like the song you should buy the CD