I'm Not There

(album: Something Else - 1971)

Down the corridors of misty dreams
I chase the strange, elusive scenes
Of childhood days and playground games
And over here the angry names
That once were hurled in early years
And echo still in unshared tears
But I'm not there
No, I'm not there

In the attic of my memory
I see the faded tapestry
Of tangled threads from daisy chains
Collected in the sudden rains
Of summer days gone quickly by
I turn my face away and sigh
But I'm not there
No, I'm not there

I pass through brightly-lighted doors
To join the dance on crowded floors
Until the throbbing rhythm numbs
And one more empty night becomes
Another link that slipped the chain
And never can be found again
But I'm not there
No, I'm not there

On a day that hasn't dawned as yet
Perhaps someone I've never met
Will say, "I'll tell you who you are"
"You are the one I've waited for
And when I look into those eyes
That strip me bare of all disguise
Then I'll be there
Then I'll be there