Prologue

words and music by Arlo Guthrie

In the event of my demise
Be sure to include this statement
When you are bent on closing my eyes
Thinking about what my life meant

Alone on a hill back in '65
Things looked a lot like changing
Singing our songs that we harmonized
Dreaming of worlds rearranging

And I don't know why I'm singing tonight
Maybe it's time someone told you
Just because you say you've seen the light
Doesn't mean nobody sold you

I can remember all of your smiles
During the demonstrations
Taking on what seemed like the whole world
Igniting the hearts of our nations

And together we sang our victory songs
Though we were worlds apart
Every thing then has now passed away
Except for the love in my heart

Sitting at home on computerized beds
Tryine to come to conclusions
Seeing reflections from rose-colored heads
Ignoring the states of illusion

Drunk in a world of material wealth
No one can notice you falling
Fantastic flights once good tor your health
Now make you deaf to your calling

And all alone the prophet groans
With words as yet unseen
Who'll be awake when the master returns
Who will be lost in their dreams

So in the event of my demise
8e sure to include this statement
Only the words of love kept alive
Are worthy of not being wasted