Chesapeake Time
a song about The Chesapeake Bay by
Joe Thompson
listen (streaming mp3 audio)
It's twilight and the fireflies are putting on a show-
There are places that I'm supposed to be,
But I've got no urge to go.
Because looking out across the bay
I see history,
and shades of times forgotten
tell their stories just to me.
Chesapeake time
speaks in whispers
of life upon the bay.
If you look and if you listen
she will spirit you away -
Chesapeake time
In forests old and beautiful great tribes and cultures shined,
Then in sixty years they were mostly gone but they left their names behind.
Hear the proud songs of a people who were stolen from their lands,
and the mighty roar of cannons as our nation took its stand.
Chesapeake time
speaks in whispers
of life upon the bay.
If you look and if you listen
she will spirit you away -
Chesapeake time
Yesterdays are layered upon yesterdays again
In tales she whispers to my heart and mind.
So strong and yet so fragile she asks that we not forget
From the smallest to the strongest all our lives are intertwined
You can almost see the great ships that sailed these waters too
the skipjack, sloop and schooner; the bugeye and log canoe.
And early in the morning when the sky is still and grey-
you can see the crabbing boats go by pulling crab pots from the bay.
Chesapeake time
speaks in whispers
of life upon the bay.
If you look and if you listen
she will spirit you away -
Chesapeake time
Please remember this song is ©2003 Joe Thompson
If you like it, it would be nice to let me know.
Home Music Theater Bio Poetry • Links • Movies • Guestbook