The fading scent of summertime

Arbutus trees and firs

The glistening of rain-soaked moss

Going to the dairy queen at dusk

Down narrow roads

In autumn light



The salt air and the sawmills

And the bars are full of songs and tears

To the passing of the tugboats

And people with their big ideas



I just get home and then I leave again

It's long ago and far away

Now we're skimming stones and

Exchanging rings

And scattering and sailing from departure bay



The house was bare of Christmas lights

It came down hard that year

Outside in our overcoats

Drinking down to the bitter end

Trying to make things right

Like my mother did



Last year we were laughing

We sang in church so beautifully

Now her perfume's on the bathroom counter

And I'm sitting in the back pew crying



I just get home and then I leave again

It's long ago and far away

Now we're skimming stones and

Exchanging rings

And scattering and sailing from departure bay



A song plays on the gramophone

And thoughts turn back to life

We took the long way to get back

Like driving over the malahat

Now a seaplane drones and time has flown



I won't miss all the glamour

While my heart is beating and the lilacs bloom

But who knew when I started

That Id find a love and bring him home



Just get me there and one we will stay

A long time off and far away

Now we're skimming stones and

Exchanging rings

We're scattering and diving in departure bay