Lindsay Smith: Listen

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

IF I SHOULD NOT RETURN

A desert flower opens slowly in the sun.
The red light stains my eyes; it’s another day begun.
My journey’s long and provisions often scarce,
Yet I’ll explore these caves as others do not dare.

If I should not return, if I should not return,
Would you come searching for my bones?

It’s thanks to strangers I have everything I need.
They give me food and drink and warnings I should heed.
They talk of savage beasts who prey on girls alone
And pick their victims clean, leaving only bone.

If I should not return, if I should not return,
Would you come searching for my bones?

I do it all for you, I do it all for you,
I am becoming what you wanted me to.

Though the night is long, though the desert’s wide,
I know the day will come that finds me by your side.
I’ll curl up in your arms and listen to the rain
And promise I am home and never leave again.
If that day should not come, if that day should not come,

If I should not return, if I should not return,
Would you come searching for my bones?