Anne Elder

Professional Subscriber to Songbay
Anne Elder

When we began this voyage
all our hearts were full of song.
I started to look forwards
and that's where it all went wrong.
Ticking off all the milestones
without savouring what they are,
got caught up in a current,
made our journey seem less far.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

At first the boat was bursting,
now there's only me left here.
My days they are so lonely
and my nights are full of fear.
I want to put the brakes on,
I'm too weak now, I have found.
I want to find an island,
take some breaths and look around.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

(bridge)
My watch shows me the time now
but it's not a time I know,
I'm sailing without purpose,
me, I have no place to go.

It's all gone by so quickly,
the whole thing's become a haze.
I cling on to the hope I'll
find a stopping place to laze,
where time won't go so quickly
and there'll be a brief refrain,
with people and with laughter,
then the journey starts again.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

Current

I was lost in a forest so dark and deep,
Being ravaged by thorns and deprived of sleep.
A black mist buffeting around and around,
Threatening sky above treacherous ground.
With rumbles of thunder and splashes of rain
The wind promised torture and offered me pain
But far in the distance I thought I could see
An outstretched hand calmly beckoning me.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

I stumbled through the forest, drawn by your light
Scratched to shreds by needles, staying in sight,
Dark fog billowing and swirling all around,
Screeching crows made a cacophonous sound.
To loud cries of triumph and thank yous no end,
You pulled me through danger, set me to mend
Now on the horizon the forest stands tall,
Reminding me of how quickly we fall.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

I wrap up in covers so soft and so white,
With food on my plate, it all seems so right
But clothes can be itchy, and words can be ice
And the meals you make aren't always that nice.
I'll always be grateful and always I'll care
You'll always have room in my heart somewhere
I don't owe you something, I thought you should know
Someday I may feel the need just to go.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

Forest of Thorns

I'm knocking at the door,
can you let me come inside?
I haven't been here before
and I need a place to hide.
Your home looks so inviting
and I've heard it's safe and warm.
I think I'll settle right in
while I shelter from the storm.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door,
please don't tell me you can't hear.
Tell me, why do you ignore
what should be so loud and clear?
I hear the sound of voices
and I want to be a part.
Don't take away my choices
or turn down my aching heart.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door,
you pretend that you can't see.
My knuckles are getting sore
and it's raining hard on me.
I won't be turning back yet
so you could just let me in.
I won't leave you to forget
there's a fight that you can win.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door
but I hear you turn the key.
My smooth skin is rubbed red raw
as you turn away from me.
I'll make the knocking lighter
and give you some space to think.
I'll stand there like a fighter
when it's time to mend the link.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door
like I'm trying to get out.
My words all crash to the floor
however loudly I shout.
No-one can stop me knocking,
I'll keep trying all the while,
when you're done with the mocking
I'll be ready with a smile.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.
(twice)

Let Me In


Latest Uploads

When we began this voyage
all our hearts were full of song.
I started to look forwards
and that's where it all went wrong.
Ticking off all the milestones
without savouring what they are,
got caught up in a current,
made our journey seem less far.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

At first the boat was bursting,
now there's only me left here.
My days they are so lonely
and my nights are full of fear.
I want to put the brakes on,
I'm too weak now, I have found.
I want to find an island,
take some breaths and look around.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

(bridge)
My watch shows me the time now
but it's not a time I know,
I'm sailing without purpose,
me, I have no place to go.

It's all gone by so quickly,
the whole thing's become a haze.
I cling on to the hope I'll
find a stopping place to laze,
where time won't go so quickly
and there'll be a brief refrain,
with people and with laughter,
then the journey starts again.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

Current

I was lost in a forest so dark and deep,
Being ravaged by thorns and deprived of sleep.
A black mist buffeting around and around,
Threatening sky above treacherous ground.
With rumbles of thunder and splashes of rain
The wind promised torture and offered me pain
But far in the distance I thought I could see
An outstretched hand calmly beckoning me.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

I stumbled through the forest, drawn by your light
Scratched to shreds by needles, staying in sight,
Dark fog billowing and swirling all around,
Screeching crows made a cacophonous sound.
To loud cries of triumph and thank yous no end,
You pulled me through danger, set me to mend
Now on the horizon the forest stands tall,
Reminding me of how quickly we fall.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

I wrap up in covers so soft and so white,
With food on my plate, it all seems so right
But clothes can be itchy, and words can be ice
And the meals you make aren't always that nice.
I'll always be grateful and always I'll care
You'll always have room in my heart somewhere
I don't owe you something, I thought you should know
Someday I may feel the need just to go.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

Forest of Thorns

I'm knocking at the door,
can you let me come inside?
I haven't been here before
and I need a place to hide.
Your home looks so inviting
and I've heard it's safe and warm.
I think I'll settle right in
while I shelter from the storm.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door,
please don't tell me you can't hear.
Tell me, why do you ignore
what should be so loud and clear?
I hear the sound of voices
and I want to be a part.
Don't take away my choices
or turn down my aching heart.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door,
you pretend that you can't see.
My knuckles are getting sore
and it's raining hard on me.
I won't be turning back yet
so you could just let me in.
I won't leave you to forget
there's a fight that you can win.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door
but I hear you turn the key.
My smooth skin is rubbed red raw
as you turn away from me.
I'll make the knocking lighter
and give you some space to think.
I'll stand there like a fighter
when it's time to mend the link.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door
like I'm trying to get out.
My words all crash to the floor
however loudly I shout.
No-one can stop me knocking,
I'll keep trying all the while,
when you're done with the mocking
I'll be ready with a smile.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.
(twice)

Let Me In

I see a lone swan hiding,
sadness written on its face,
a water dark and dirty
the backdrop to its grace.
I swim up from the darkness
and I take my place beside.
Ice forms an arch around us
as we slowly start to glide.

The paths around are pitted,
a smooth stretch can't be found.
I've been here long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.

We float along together
and our splendour draws some stares.
Some eyes don't want to see us
but berate us no-one dares.
We swim along so quietly
in a world of ice and light,
now nothing else can touch us
as we slowly slip from sight.

The paths around are pitted,
a smooth stretch can't be found.
I've been here long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.

Our bodies move together
and the sky turns deepest red.
There are fires in the distance
and the paths are flames instead.
I kiss you in the water
and I kiss you in the fire,
our love's a crime of passion,
gentle breeze to burning pyre.

The paths around are pitted,
a smooth stretch can't be found.
I've been here long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.
We found our own smooth sailing,
now we're destination-bound.
I've been her long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.

Flowers From Stony Ground

Too much time spent searching,
always hunting high and low,
looking for the burning beacon
that shows the way to go.
It didn't take a lifetime,
but it feels like that inside,
far too much time spent floundering,
without you by my side.

I wasn't really looking
when that bright light caught my eye.
I wandered off the beaten track,
not really knowing why.
And there I saw you standing,
like an angel in the snow;
suddenly it was clear that I
had nowhere else to go.

The picture fills my memory
and I'm wanting you to know
that's the moment I realised there
was nowhere else to go.

You stretched your hand towards me
and you took me to the light.
The brightness of your selfless soul
lit up the darkest night.
My home is in your presence
and my heart has found its key.
You walk the paths around it and
they all come back to me.

I thank you for your caring,
for the kindness of your heart.
I thank you that you cherish me,
not changing any part.
I thank you that you showed me
that my wanderings could end.
I've reached my destination as
fate always did intend.

These feelings flood my being
and I'm wanting you to know,
that for some time I've realised I
want nowhere else to go.

Nowhere Else To Go

From out of the ashes will always come life,
Dreams coming to being on the edge of a knife.
In the midst of ruin a flower will grow,
its seeds to be scattered by blackbird and crow.

I can't see the road but I know that it's there,
The corner's ahead in the fog here somewhere.
Once past all this darkness the future's more clear,
A whole new beginning is starting right here.

Weeds grow up through cracks and moss blankets the rooves,
Birds nest down in chimney pots pitted with grooves,
Cats wander the streets and dogs hunt in a pack,
The hedgerows we burnt down have fully grown back.

You can't destroy matter but just change its state,
A world once destroyed is reshaping its fate.
The tools are all waiting, let's take them to hand.
The canvas is blank, time to reform this land.

I can't see the road but I know that it's there,
The corner's ahead in the fog here somewhere.
Once past all this darkness the future's more clear,
A whole new beginning is starting right here.

You can't destroy matter but just change its state,
A world once destroyed is reshaping its fate.
The tools are all waiting, let's take them to hand.
The canvas is blank, time to reform this land.

Blank Canvas

Maybe there's a purpose,
Maybe there's a concrete plan,
Maybe I'm not worthless
Like you always said I am.
Maybe I can help you
As you slowly start to fade
The role of guardian angel
Will become my one crusade.

You think that you don't need me
And I don't know what to say
I struggle to remember
When you first became this way
I try to hold on tightly
But you're straining to cut loose
My nails they dig in deeper
And I'm drowning in abuse.

Maybe there's a purpose,
Maybe there's a concrete plan,
Maybe I'm not worthless
Like you always said I am.
Maybe I can help you
As you slowly start to fade
The role of guardian angel
Will become my one crusade.

You're acting like a stranger
And I'm taking to the role
We're building up the danger
Of destroying what was whole.
It's difficult to take this
And I'm not sure that you see
How sustained bombardment
Takes a deadly toll on me.

Maybe there's a purpose,
Maybe there's a concrete plan,
Maybe I'm not worthless
Like you always said I am.
Maybe I can help you
As you slowly start to fade
The role of guardian angel
Will become my one crusade.

I know that you are falling
And you don't know how to stop
You have to hear me calling,
See me reaching from the top.
It's time to take my hand now
Please don't go and slip away
Just try to understand how
I just want you here to stay.

Maybe there's a purpose,
Maybe there's a concrete plan,
Maybe I'm not worthless
Like you always said I am.
Maybe I can help you
As you slowly start to fade
The role of guardian angel
Will become my one crusade.

Crusade

Sometimes the cracks are easy to slip through,
Sometimes it's harder and choices are made,
Sometimes we slip because we had meant to,
Sometimes we're falling while scrambling to stay.

I went on a journey not of my own choosing,
Swayed by the masses and pulled by the crowd,
Fighting a battle I knew I was losing,
Ducked down an alley, hood up and head bowed.

I ran like a cheetah through city and mountain,
Never once stopping or turning around,
Escaping the chains and the false claims of bounty,
Gliding my way over treacherous ground.

Sometimes the cracks are easy to slip through,
Sometimes it's harder and choices are made,
Sometimes we slip because we had meant to,
Sometimes we're falling while scrambling to stay.

I came across you as I slowed down from hunger,
Frightened and bruised you attempted to flee,
You weren't in a place that you wanted to be in,
I held your hand tightly, took you with me.

Now both of us soar and look down on what made us,
No longer trapped by that mass of barbed wire.
Me, I escaped, but you'd fallen through unfettered,
Both fell in water that put out the fire.

Sometimes the cracks are easy to slip through,
Sometimes it's harder and choices are made,
Sometimes we slip because we had meant to,
Sometimes we're falling while scrambling to stay.

Falling through Cracks

My Uploads

When we began this voyage
all our hearts were full of song.
I started to look forwards
and that's where it all went wrong.
Ticking off all the milestones
without savouring what they are,
got caught up in a current,
made our journey seem less far.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

At first the boat was bursting,
now there's only me left here.
My days they are so lonely
and my nights are full of fear.
I want to put the brakes on,
I'm too weak now, I have found.
I want to find an island,
take some breaths and look around.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

(bridge)
My watch shows me the time now
but it's not a time I know,
I'm sailing without purpose,
me, I have no place to go.

It's all gone by so quickly,
the whole thing's become a haze.
I cling on to the hope I'll
find a stopping place to laze,
where time won't go so quickly
and there'll be a brief refrain,
with people and with laughter,
then the journey starts again.

(chorus)
I'm sailing down the river
but the boat's moving too fast.
My eyes alight on scenery
but the images don't last.
Heading for the waterfall,
I don't want all this to end.
I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

I don't know how to slow down
and I can't see round the bend.

Current

I was lost in a forest so dark and deep,
Being ravaged by thorns and deprived of sleep.
A black mist buffeting around and around,
Threatening sky above treacherous ground.
With rumbles of thunder and splashes of rain
The wind promised torture and offered me pain
But far in the distance I thought I could see
An outstretched hand calmly beckoning me.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

I stumbled through the forest, drawn by your light
Scratched to shreds by needles, staying in sight,
Dark fog billowing and swirling all around,
Screeching crows made a cacophonous sound.
To loud cries of triumph and thank yous no end,
You pulled me through danger, set me to mend
Now on the horizon the forest stands tall,
Reminding me of how quickly we fall.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

I wrap up in covers so soft and so white,
With food on my plate, it all seems so right
But clothes can be itchy, and words can be ice
And the meals you make aren't always that nice.
I'll always be grateful and always I'll care
You'll always have room in my heart somewhere
I don't owe you something, I thought you should know
Someday I may feel the need just to go.

(chorus)
You saved me from my demons,
You saved me from the dark,
Took me to that place of light
Where you once made your mark.
I followed you so blindly
I hope that you can see
That while I thank you kindly
The dark might not leave me.

Forest of Thorns

I'm knocking at the door,
can you let me come inside?
I haven't been here before
and I need a place to hide.
Your home looks so inviting
and I've heard it's safe and warm.
I think I'll settle right in
while I shelter from the storm.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door,
please don't tell me you can't hear.
Tell me, why do you ignore
what should be so loud and clear?
I hear the sound of voices
and I want to be a part.
Don't take away my choices
or turn down my aching heart.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door,
you pretend that you can't see.
My knuckles are getting sore
and it's raining hard on me.
I won't be turning back yet
so you could just let me in.
I won't leave you to forget
there's a fight that you can win.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door
but I hear you turn the key.
My smooth skin is rubbed red raw
as you turn away from me.
I'll make the knocking lighter
and give you some space to think.
I'll stand there like a fighter
when it's time to mend the link.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.

I'm knocking at the door
like I'm trying to get out.
My words all crash to the floor
however loudly I shout.
No-one can stop me knocking,
I'll keep trying all the while,
when you're done with the mocking
I'll be ready with a smile.

(chorus)
I'm knocking at the door,
the silence is deafening,
I'm knocking at the door.
Please let me in, please let me in, please let me in.
(twice)

Let Me In

I see a lone swan hiding,
sadness written on its face,
a water dark and dirty
the backdrop to its grace.
I swim up from the darkness
and I take my place beside.
Ice forms an arch around us
as we slowly start to glide.

The paths around are pitted,
a smooth stretch can't be found.
I've been here long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.

We float along together
and our splendour draws some stares.
Some eyes don't want to see us
but berate us no-one dares.
We swim along so quietly
in a world of ice and light,
now nothing else can touch us
as we slowly slip from sight.

The paths around are pitted,
a smooth stretch can't be found.
I've been here long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.

Our bodies move together
and the sky turns deepest red.
There are fires in the distance
and the paths are flames instead.
I kiss you in the water
and I kiss you in the fire,
our love's a crime of passion,
gentle breeze to burning pyre.

The paths around are pitted,
a smooth stretch can't be found.
I've been here long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.
We found our own smooth sailing,
now we're destination-bound.
I've been her long enough to
know flowers grow on stony ground.

Flowers From Stony Ground

Too much time spent searching,
always hunting high and low,
looking for the burning beacon
that shows the way to go.
It didn't take a lifetime,
but it feels like that inside,
far too much time spent floundering,
without you by my side.

I wasn't really looking
when that bright light caught my eye.
I wandered off the beaten track,
not really knowing why.
And there I saw you standing,
like an angel in the snow;
suddenly it was clear that I
had nowhere else to go.

The picture fills my memory
and I'm wanting you to know
that's the moment I realised there
was nowhere else to go.

You stretched your hand towards me
and you took me to the light.
The brightness of your selfless soul
lit up the darkest night.
My home is in your presence
and my heart has found its key.
You walk the paths around it and
they all come back to me.

I thank you for your caring,
for the kindness of your heart.
I thank you that you cherish me,
not changing any part.
I thank you that you showed me
that my wanderings could end.
I've reached my destination as
fate always did intend.

These feelings flood my being
and I'm wanting you to know,
that for some time I've realised I
want nowhere else to go.

Nowhere Else To Go

From out of the ashes will always come life,
Dreams coming to being on the edge of a knife.
In the midst of ruin a flower will grow,
its seeds to be scattered by blackbird and crow.

I can't see the road but I know that it's there,
The corner's ahead in the fog here somewhere.
Once past all this darkness the future's more clear,
A whole new beginning is starting right here.

Weeds grow up through cracks and moss blankets the rooves,
Birds nest down in chimney pots pitted with grooves,
Cats wander the streets and dogs hunt in a pack,
The hedgerows we burnt down have fully grown back.

You can't destroy matter but just change its state,
A world once destroyed is reshaping its fate.
The tools are all waiting, let's take them to hand.
The canvas is blank, time to reform this land.

I can't see the road but I know that it's there,
The corner's ahead in the fog here somewhere.
Once past all this darkness the future's more clear,
A whole new beginning is starting right here.

You can't destroy matter but just change its state,
A world once destroyed is reshaping its fate.
The tools are all waiting, let's take them to hand.
The canvas is blank, time to reform this land.

Blank Canvas


About Me

Bio

Hi, I'm Anne Elder, writer of short fiction and song lyrics, many short stories published online and in various collections, hoping to make a name for myself in the songwriting community. I live in Leeds, in the North of England, with my two teenagers and three degus.

CV/History

User has yet to complete this section.

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