The Water Runs – Music and Lyric by Steve Bell
You break from the city in the pouring rain
To settle in the middle of the Interlake
Where the green browns over in the summer sun
But under it all the water runs
As if that’s not enough – summer dies
It all freezes over and you’re buried alive
You gotta admit that you panic some
But under it all the water runs
The water runs
And courses deep
Beneath the imprint of these troubled feet
So much is done to stay the creep
And slay the fear that there’s nothing here
Or underneath
You carefully plan to minimize mistakes
You just get started and you break a leg
It’s not so easy when it’s not much fun
But under it all the water runs
Every single day now
I recall the fright
Sink a hole and pray now
Many times
Many times a night
Peace moon hovers and the forest sleeps
Sitting alone among the rustling leaves
I’ll retire when my pipe is done
Under it all the water runs
Posted on July 22nd
What a great story, and what a difference it makes to the song. I’ve always liked the song but knowing the story behind it really brings it to life. Kind of like scripture comes alive when a life experience is related to it.
The album ‘Waiting for Aidan” is your richest album musically, at least to my ears. My wife especially loves the “Pleasing to You” cut, and I’m fond of the “Jesus, My Glory” for its majesty and the story you’ve told in concert about the dream you had that inspired it.
I’ll never listen the same way to “The Water Runs”, imagining your sitting on the deck smoking a pipe in the evening glow.
Thanks again for the stories behind your songs Steve.
Posted on July 22nd
So NOW those lyrics make sense. to me I have to admit, Steve, sometimes your lyrical style is a bit too artsy for me, and you had really lost me on these . . . UNTIL NOW that I know the story behind the words! One of my favorite songs on this album.
“Somebody’s Gotta Pay” is another favorite, but I heard you tell the story behind that one… Jesus does pay for all of us, even for those who don’t seem (to us) to deserve it.
It’s wonderful to have a place in the country, away from the city . . . sort of like God’s gift of Fairview, Texas in my case
Thanks for another great Steve-Bell-Story…
Posted on July 22nd
Dear Steve,
Beautiful lyrics; I appreciate your music – thoughtful, intelligent, refreshing – so glad there are a few artists left out there who haven’t given themselves over to the “fast food” style of worship out there these days.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family,
Linda Welter & Family