The Giant, Sadness

Lyric by Clive James, music by Pete Atkin

I know the Giant Sadness heads our way
But you today have worn your cloud-blue hat
So let the sparkle flatten if it will
And how you look stand in for how we feel:
There's merriment to keep me reeling still —
Those swallow-grey puffed sleeves are all for that.

I know the Giant Sadness heads our way
But you today have worn your agate rings
So let the dazzle soften if it must
With no delight except the way you're dressed:
There's joy enough to take the rest on trust
In the airborne way you wear these pretty things.

I know the Giant Sadness heads our way
But you'll return to being strong and bright
A glamour girl who also knows her mind
And sorely hurt is swiftly on the mend:
Whose every living move is well defined
For you belong to day as sure as I to night.

I know the Giant Sadness heads our way —
It comes for me and has no plans for you.
For you today have worn your cloud-blue hat
Your swallow dress and all the rest of it.
It's more than good of you to look like that
For everyone and not just for the few.

I know the Giant Sadness thinks so, too.

Pete Atkin Discography