Lyrics

Arcata Song
Carrie Ferguson

I forget the fog is in a mood to wander
It drifts across the town we drown in all that water
I hear the ocean singing out beyond the bay
Once it covered everything, now there’s just this gray

I dream of angel whales, voices deep as mountains
Watch them from my window rolling south like steaming fountains
Swim each day a mystery through carved and ancient boulders
The ghosts of fishermen and pirates ride their mossy shoulders

If I ever leave this place
Let the world take me away
Know that I’ll be back some day
The tide can leave its mark but the water never stays
The tide can leave its mark but the water always stays

The ocean comes to call you out, finds you in your bed
Kisses you with salty lashes, sings into your head
You wake with clammy skin, the taste of someone else’s tears
She’s slipped out through the window leaving water in your ears

When I’m filled with water will you give to me your land
Knit a net of kindness, fish for me with lover’s hands
We’ll build our house of chert and agate, volcanic proof of passion
And when the sea comes to our door, may she always find us laughing

If I ever leave this place
Let the world take me away
Know that I’ll be back some day
The tide can leave its mark but the water never stays
The tide can leave its mark but the water always stays