I Didn't Know The World Would Last This Long

(album: John Hartford - 1969)

I stumbled through a yellow field of dying grass
In front of me, some happy people quickly pass
Inhaling deep the air, while love goes flying high
While younger hands in distant windows wave good bye

I forgot to live in oh so many ways
I thought I saw the numbers marked on all the days
I trembled at the warnings of the sad old men
"Beware my son, the earth is coming to an end"

But now a breeze of simple truth blows through my hair
Striking down the fences in my vacant stare
I'm stretching out my arms to fly, I know I am free
I find I'm getting younger now, the more I see

I didn't know the world would last this long
I didn't know I'd ever sing this song
I didn't know how right I could be wrong
And I didn't know the world would last this long

Words of fear go spinning out across the land
To those who need the guidance of a reassuring hand
Spelling out the hope for every newborn babe
Brought into a world so full of war and hate

They'll stumble through the muddy ruts of narrow rules
Hung up on the sidewalk with the ancient fools
While someone's softly singing, now comes walking by
Suddenly they'll find their voice, and then they'll cry

I didn't know the world would last this long
I didn't know I'd ever sing this song
I didn't know how right I could be wrong
And I didn't know the world would last this long