Lyrics
On the shores of Echo Lake as the Great War was done
Refers to the setting of Echo Lake after the end of World War I.
She dressed in white and went to work in the sanatorium
Describes Nurse Jane's attire and her work at a sanatorium.
Nurse Jane doled out tablets
Depicts Nurse Jane distributing medication.
And help to those in need
She assists and supports those requiring help.
She cleaned and fed
Her duties include cleaning and feeding the patients.
They coughed and bled
Patients suffer from coughing and bleeding due to tuberculosis (TB).
The valley of TB
Refers to the area affected by tuberculosis.
Rows of single metal beds and nobody could rest
Patients struggle to find rest in the crowded sanatorium.
Endless coughing from the throat
Describes the persistent coughing and chest pain experienced by patients.
And pain inside the chest
Highlights Nurse Jane's compassionate care for the patients.
Jane wiped the brows of those in need
Shows her tender care in wiping patients' foreheads.
And did it with good grace
She carries out her duties with kindness and compassion.
Wheeling patients from their rooms
Nurse Jane moves patients to areas with sunlight for their well-being.
To find a sunny place
Her selflessness in caring for others even when unable to continue.
When Jane could could no longer give
When she couldn't continue, she bid farewell to the world.
She bid the world adieu
She ended her life due to exhaustion from witnessing suffering.
Tired of the suffering, she took thirty with her too
She took her own life along with others due to unbearable suffering.
She couldn't cross over so Jane still roams the San
Despite her death, her spirit remains at the sanatorium.
Gliding over checkered floors
Depicts her ghostly presence moving around the checkered floors.
Where she sits and pauses at the door
She lingers near the doorways, possibly reflecting on her past duties.
Summer camps with concert nights
References events like summer camps and concerts at the sanatorium.
And still Nurse Jane stays on
Despite her passing, Nurse Jane remains connected to the place.
To greet all the musicians, with her own special song
She welcomes musicians with her unique presence and song.
Jane won't get to leave this place
Her spirit is bound to the sanatorium, unable to depart.
She's in limbo for all time
She exists in a state of eternal uncertainty or in-between.
La la da da la di da da
Repetitive musical phrase possibly echoing her lingering presence.
Di da da la la la
Continuation of the musical phrase, suggesting ongoing existence.
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