Donovan, composer/lyricist.
THE LITTLE WHITE ROAD (LEITCH/ST 0201376A OWELL), DONOVAN (MUSIC) LTD.
Happy songs are something of a rarity in folk music, which traditionally reflects the hardships and tribulations of life throughout history, so the whimsy of this Donovan song and its joy at the prospect of travelling is what drew me to it. Not only this, but its final verse contains such a wonderful sentiment; even when we are done with our adventures, the metaphorical little white road will continue to roam for us.
lyrics
Oh the little white road clambers over the hill,
My feet they must follow, they cannot be still,
Must follow and follow though far it may roam,
Oh, little white road, will you never come home?
Oh the hills they are patient and steadfast and wise,
They look o'er the valleys and up to the skies,
But the little white road clambers up them and over,
Oh, little white road, you are ever the rover.
I fain would go with you right down to the sea,
Where a ship with white sails would be waiting for me,
Go sailing and sailing to strange lands afar,
Where deserts and forests and lost cities are.
But when I grew weary of my gypsy ways,
I'd sail home again for to end all my days,
In the little grey cottage, beside the grey hill,
Where you, little road, will be wandering still.
credits
from On a Green Growing Tree,
released August 16, 2016
Donovan, composer/lyricist.
THE LITTLE WHITE ROAD (LEITCH/ST 0201376A OWELL), DONOVAN (MUSIC) LTD
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