The Many Islands of the James

from With the Rain by Ray Woodruff

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lyrics

You must believe that when I straighten my hat
And wash my brown jacket of stains
I dream of you there at the top of the stair
(Before I go out, I think of your pout)
Near the many islands of the James

Who long can you bear in the stultified air
As the cold weather comes with the rains
How long will you wait for that white garden gate
By the many islands of the James?

Well we are not young, we are not yet sung
But the moment must come just the same
Where all will be right from morning through night
Near the many islands of the James

Can you keep in mind through long creeping vines
Of time that it’s worth all the pain?
And nothing is lost no matter the cost
By the many islands of the James

The ocean is wide shores battered by tides
Where old men sell hopes for their gains
But you will keep safe from their scheming and hate
The many islands of the James

You must believe that when I straighten my hat
And put on that smile that I feign
I dream of you there at the top of the stair
Near the many islands of the James

credits

from With the Rain, released October 18, 2023
Written and recorded by Ray Woodruff

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about

Ray Woodruff Richmond, Virginia

Songwriter. Guitarist. Instrumentalist. Visuals. Lost writer.

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