Ripple

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near, as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air 

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of man

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
"Nor wind to blow

You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall, you fall alone
If you should stand, then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way, I would take you home...

 

JG

 

ll

First performed on August 18, 1970, at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. "Ripple" appeared in the middle of the first set, an acoustic set, between "Dark Hollow" and "Brokedown Palace."  The "Brokedown Palace" was also a premiere, as was the show's "Operator," and "Truckin."'

  Several lines in this lyric conjure up the 23rd Psalm, which for many listeners will be an evocation of peace and reassurance. In particular, the lines referring to "still water," the filling of an empty cup, and the walking on a path in the shadow of the dark of night are strong references.

Hunter invokes the psalm associations in the first verse, with his mention of the traditional psalmist's accompaniment, the harp.