Now, in this faraway land Strange, that the palms of my hands Should be damp with expectancy Spring, and the air's turning mild City lights, and a glimpse of a child Of the alleyway infantry Friends, do they know what I mean? Rain, and the gathering green Of an afternoon out of town But Lord, I had to go My trail was laid too slow behind me To face the call of fame, Or make a drunkard's name for me Though now, this better life Has brought a different understanding And from these endless days Shall come a broader sympathy Although I count the hours, To be alone's no injury My home was a place by the sound Cliffs, and a military band Blew an air of normality