Lyrics
WINDS OF THE OLD DAYS (Words and Music by Joan Baez)
Introduction to the song "Winds of the Old Days" by Joan Baez.
The lady's adrift in a foreign land
The lady, possibly Joan Baez, is in an unfamiliar place.
Singing on issues both humble and grand A
Singing about both simple and significant issues.
Decade flew past her and there on the page
A decade has passed, and she reads about a prince returning to the stage.
She read that the prince had returned to the stage
Reference to a significant event involving the prince.
Hovering near treacherous waters
Metaphorical description of being close to danger.
A friend saw her drifting and caught her
A friend noticed her drifting and saved her from potential harm.
Unguarded fantasies flying too far
Caution against indulging in unrealistic fantasies.
Memories tumbling like sweets from a jar And take me down to the harbor now Grapes of the summer are low on the bough
Nostalgia for the past and a desire to revisit the harbor.
Ghosts of my history will follow me there
Reflection on personal history with ghosts following.
And the winds of the old days will blow through my hair
The enduring impact of past experiences symbolized by the winds of old days.
Breath on an undying ember It doesn't take much to remember
A metaphor for remembering past emotions.
Those eloquent songs from the good old days
Recollection of powerful songs from the past.
That set us to marching with banners ablaze
Remembering the activism of the past, marching with banners.
But reporters, there's no sense in prying
Cautioning against prying by reporters into personal matters.
Our blue-eyed son's been denying
Reference to a son denying truths, possibly metaphorical.
The truths that are wrapped in a mystery
Mysteries wrapped in truths from the past.
The sixties are over so set him free
Declaration that the '60s era is over.
And take me down to the harbor now
Desire to return to the harbor, a place of nostalgia.
Grapes of the summer are low on the bough
Reference to the changing seasons and the passing of time.
Ghosts of my history will follow me there
Anticipation of the past influencing the present.
And the winds of the old days will blow through my hair
Continued impact of the winds of the old days.
Why do I sit the autumnal judge
Questioning a judgmental stance in autumnal years.
Years of self-righteousness will not budge
Resistance to change despite years of self-righteousness.
Singer or savior, it was his to choose
Reflecting on the dual roles of a singer or a savior.
Which of us knows what was his to lose
Uncertainty about what one truly has to lose.
Because idols are best when they're made of stone
Idols are more reliable when they are unchanging.
A savior's a nuisance to live with at home
A savior can be challenging to live with at home.
Stars often fall, heroes go unsung
Acknowledging the fallibility of stars and unsung heroes.
And martyrs most certainly die too young
Recognition that martyrs often meet an early end.
So thank you for writing the best songs
Gratitude for impactful songs and for correcting wrongs.
Thank you for righting a few wrongs
Appreciation for the artist's contribution to social issues.
You're a savage gift on a wayward bus
Acknowledging the artist's impact despite being unconventional.
But you stepped down and you sang to us
Recognition of the artist stepping down and connecting with the audience.
And get you down to the harbor now
Encouragement to return to the harbor, a place of reflection.
Most of the sour grapes are gone from the bough
Symbolic indication that negative experiences have passed.
Ghosts of Johanna will visit you there
Ghosts of Johanna, possibly a reference to a specific song or person.
And the winds of the old days will blow through your hair
Continued influence of the winds of the old days.
Comment