River Man

Nick Drake

Betty came by on her way

Said she had a word to say

About things today

And fallen leaves.



Said she hadn't heard the news

Hadn't had the time to choose

A way to lose

But she believes.



Going to see the river man

Going to tell him all I can

About the plan

For lilac time.



If he tells me all he knows

About the way his river flows

And all night shows

In summertime.



Betty said she prayed today

For the sky to blow away

Or maybe stay

She wasn't sure.



For when she thought of summer rain

Calling for her mind again

She lost the pain

And stayed for more.



Going to see the river man

Going to tell him all I can

About the ban

On feeling free.



If he tells me all he knows

About the way his river flows

I don't suppose

It's meant for me.



Oh, how they come and go

Oh, how they come and go.