Someplace far in back of you You may have known somebody who Looked under what you tried to be And never let you that she Could see that your ideals would only last a little while Like West Virginia summer's child The times are gone that brought the girl Who watched me try to change the world When I believed I'd write the songs To point to roads of right and wrong Silently she watched me try to put the world on trial West Virginia summer's child The night before I had to leave When Denver winter stripped the trees I cried all night against a nightgown sleeve I only hope that she believes I know what I was leaving When I refuse to turn my eyes From all my shabby alibis And think I'm more than what I am I hope she knows I'm glad I can Surrender to the memory of the understanding smile Of West Virginia summer's child West Virginia summer's child