Kingdom of Childhood

(Words and Music by Joan Baez)

The ship that sails the seven seas
Has finally brought me to my knees
It's not much to my liking
The people standing on the rock
Are innocent and they know not
That the tide comes in
Death rides it like a Viking

The mountains rise above the mist
And the golden prince I've never kissed
He may die tonight
And why do I want to ride with
The prince whose alleged horse is white?
Because when we ride together
Our lives are cloaked forever

Happiness is temporary
Believe me, I know
It can arrive as a shining crystal
And leave as the melting snow
Come all you lads and lasses
The Kingdom of Childhood passes

Oh, but I am hardy in these years
Or I'd have sunk down with my tears
To the earth beneath my feet
I want to endure the slings and arrows
That Hamlet spoke about
But harrowed,
He was forced to a ragged defeat

There was a method to his madness
But overcome by pride and sadness
He did not endure
Surely his death was a grave mistake
How many deaths do we really calculate?
Isn't it true, Lord
Tragedies happen when you're bored?

Happiness is temporary
Believe me, I know
It can arrive as a shining crystal
And leave as the melting snow
Come all you lads and lasses
The Kingdom of Childhood passes

You archangels, you have some nerve
To watch all of this you are absurd
You even have a choice
Do you know all? I think you may
And what is there for you to say
But understand
Why God took back your voice

SIlence is golden, I believe
And you are worth your weight
In wreaths of purest gold
While we are here with debts and bets
And aircraft carriers and jets
I call out fruitlessly
Give me an archangel for company

Happiness is temporary
Believe me, I know
It can arrive as a shining crystal
And leave as the melting snow
Come all you lads and lasses
The Kingdom of Childhood passes

Me in the woods at the break of dawn
The candles of the night still on
The chimes ring from the hollow
I too am worth my weight in gold
But the fishmonger and I are old
When the mint runs out
Our real lives will follow

It was misfortune who woke you up
To pour you the dregs from her broken cup
Cast her aside
The sunrise will appear with the mockingbird
Who stays deep in the canyon and is heard
Glorious in his song
He cannot be wrong

Happiness is temporary
Believe me, I know
It can arrive as a shining crystal
And leave as the melting snow
Come all you lads and lasses
The Kingdom of Childhood passes
There's another one just beyond
Act quickly before it's gone

1976, 1977 Gabriel Earl Music (ASCAP)