[Intro] [Verse 1] The sky tram climbs the morning through a street of weathered blue Tin birds on the station railing shake the silver from the dew I sell ribbons in the market where the cloudboats drift below, but every wind that finds me— speaks a name I used to know [Verse 2] By noon the upper bridges are warm beneath the market sails The wind spins copper weatherwheels above the tramway rails Brass bells mark the crossing as cloudboats carry their loads I watch their canvas shadows move toward the outer roads [Pre-Chorus 1] Past the clock above the tower, past the bakery and square— The tram bells cross the hanging streets and thin into the air, Beyond the chimney gardens, glass aqueducts fade blue— there's a little town of lanterns, and I almost see it there— [Chorus 1] I still know the way home— where the turning windmills shine, where the harbor lights like fireflies climb the edge of evening time If I listen to the bells through the chimney smoke and stone, I still know the way home... and it calls me when I'm alone [Verse 3] Mail balloons at dusklight cross the roofs in copper rows Children chase the sparrow lanterns where the narrow river glows When I close the shop at evening and sweep up threads of red, I hear my mother's humming— moving softly through my head [Pre-Chorus 2] There's a lane behind the fountain, with the smell of rain and bread— A blue-glass kitchen lantern paints the cobbles amber-red— A painted wind-clock murmurs under the eaves beside the door— For a moment I'm seventeen... and the old road lies ahead [Chorus 2] I still know the way home— where the turning windmills shine, where the harbor lights like fireflies climb the edge of evening time If I listen to the bells through the chimney smoke and stone, I still know the way home, and it calls me when I'm alone [Instrumental Interlude] [Bridge] One day when the summer ferries leave white lines across the blue— I'll ride past the sleeping islands till the hills come back in view I won't need a map to find the porch, the gate, the climbing rose— My heart has kept the small turns that only going home still knows [Final Chorus] I still know the way home— where the turning windmills shine, where the harbor lights like fireflies climb the edge of evening time And the first lamp in the window will be waiting, warm and gold I still know the way home— and one day I'll take that road [Outro] Till then the night wind brings it near— soft as flour, salt, and clove I still know the way home... and the way home still knows me
