[Verse 1] You left your red scarf by the wooden gate The tea went cold beside the window frame I took the north road where the pasture bends And carried your last letter in my coat [Chorus] Across the ridge, I call your name The river keeps it, stone by stone If spring should find me far from home I’ll follow the water back to you [Verse 2] At dawn, the herders move their quiet flock A brass bell turns beneath the open sky I count the miles by willow, bridge, and field And save the words I could not say that day [Chorus] Across the ridge, I call your name The river keeps it, stone by stone If spring should find me far from home I’ll follow the water back to you [Bridge] When snow loosens its hold on the pass When the first green shows through the earth I will come with both hands empty And ask if there is room beside you [Outro] The tea can warm again The gate can open wide I’ll follow the water back to you
