I came from the sunny valleys, and sought for the open sea
For I thought in its gray expanses, my peace would come to me
I came at last to the ocean, and found it wild and black
And I cried to the windless valleys: Be kind and take me back!

But the thirsty tide ran inland, and the salt waves drank of me
And I who was fresh as the rainfall, am bitter as the sea
Betty came by on her way, said she has a word to say
Bout things today, and fallen leaves

Said she hadn't heard the news, hadn't had the time to choose
A way to lose, but she believes
Going to see the river man, going to tell him all I can
About the plan, for lilac time

If he tells me all he knows, bout the way his river flows
And all night shows, in summertime
Betty said she prayed today, for the sky to blow away
Or maybe stay, she wasn't sure

When she thought of summer rain, callin' for her mind again
She lost the pain, and stayed for more
Going to see the river man, going to tell him all I can
About the ban, on feeling free

If he tells me all he knows, about the way his river flows
I don't suppose, it's meant for me
Oh, how they come and go
Oh, how they come and go