Recording of Jim opening for Utah Phillips and Rosalie Sorrels in Victoria BC at the Crystal Gardens.
Free and On the Road
Its 3ockock in the morning and I've got the bus stop blues. Trying to write a song but can't seem to find a tune. The drivers says it's time to go but I can't put down the song, so I take it with me on the bus and I write it on the road
It started out as a melody so soft and sweet and fine but some how the rhythm of the bus has speeded up the time. I feel the wheels rumbling. The night is dark and cold. Just another lonely minstrel, free and on the road.
The stranger up in front of me is asleep and kind of old. The lady sitting next to me gives a stare that is so cold. My hairs' unbrushed sense morning and my clothes have all been well worn. Just the price a minstrel pays to be free and on the road
(Instrumental)
I reach up for my guitar just to help put down the song. But the driver says "Boy put that thing away we're at your stop in town". And late at night I go home, to my bed and I'm all alone. Just another lonely minstrel free and on the road. Free and on the road. You see I'm free and on the road.
Copyright 1982 Jim Moffatt
It was just after dark 50 years ago, when the wizard went for a walk
Down to the shore where the waves did roar, a spirit to conjure up
He uttered some strange incantations and then stood as if waiting reply
His arms spread wide, his staff to the sky, a fire was in his eyes
Then a Spirit stood there beside him and demanded why do you call
The Wizard smiled and said I am lonely, me my power, that's all
You see it's been near ten thousand year, I've studied these things I know
And I've not known a warm touch, just the occasional lost soul.
And the Spirit smiled said yes its been a while, sense you've been whole
And you come to me asking for relief, freedom for your soul
But you foolish man, you had it in your hand and you let it go
Now you come to me asking for release freedom for you soul
(Instrumental)
Now 26 years have come and gone, sense the Wizard went for a walk
The magic has died...but the Spirits they still mock!
Oh you foolish man, you had it in your hand and you let it go
Now you come to me asking for relief freedom for you soul