Follow
Susan Tedeschi Lyrics


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Let the river rock you like a cradle
Climb to the tree tops child if you're able
Let your hands tie a knot across the table
Come and touch the things you cannot feel

Then close your fingertips and fly where I can't hold you
Let the sun-rain fall and let the dewy clouds enfold you
And maybe you can sing to me the words that I just told you,
If all the things you feel ain't what they seem
Then don't mind me, 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream.

Well, the mocking bird sings each different song
Each song has wings, they won't stay long
Do those who hear think he's doing wrong?
While the church bell tolls its one-note song
And the school bell is tinkling to the throng.
Come here where your ears cannot hear

And close your eyes, child, and listen to what I'll tell you
Follow in the darkest night the sounds that may impel you
And the song that I am singing may disturb or serve to quell you
If all the sounds you hear ain't what they seem,
Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream.

The rising smell of fresh-cut grass
Smothered cities choke and yell with fuming gas
I hold some grapes up to the sun
And their flavor breaks upon my tongue
With eager tongues we taste our strife
And fill our lungs with seeds of life
Come taste and smell the waters of our time

And close your lips, child, so softly that I might kiss you
Let your flower perfume out and let the winds caress you
As I walk on through the garden, I am hoping I don't miss you
If all the things you taste ain't what they seem
Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream.

The sun and moon both are right
And we'll see them soon through days of night
But now silver leaves on mirrors bring delight
And the colors of your eyes are fiery bright
While darkness blinds the skies with all its light
Come see where your eyes cannot see

And close your eyes, child, and look at what I'll show you
Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you
And maybe, when we meet there, suddenly I will know you
If all the things you see ain't quite what they seem




Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream
And you can follow, and you can follow, follow...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Susan Tedeschi's song "Follow" are filled with poetic imagery and metaphors that encourage the listener to let go of their inhibitions, embrace their senses, and seek a deeper connection with the world around them. The opening lines "Let the river rock you like a cradle, climb to the tree tops child if you're able" suggest that the listener should surrender themselves to nature's gentle rhythms and allow themselves to be carried away by its peaceful embrace.


As the song progresses, new images and metaphors are introduced, such as "let your hands tie a knot across the table" and "close your fingertips and fly where I can't hold you", which encourage the listener to explore and seek out new experiences that may challenge or broaden their perceptions of the world. The song ends with the lines "if all the things you see ain't quite what they seem, then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothing but a dream", conveying the idea that reality can be subjective and that one should trust their own senses and intuition.


Overall, "Follow" is a song that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and encourages its listeners to embrace their senses and seek out new experiences. The lyrics are filled with rich imagery and metaphors, and Susan Tedeschi's soulful vocals lend the song a sense of warmth and intimacy that make it a pleasure to listen to.


Line by Line Meaning

Let the river rock you like a cradle
Allow yourself to be swayed by the flow of life, just like a baby in a cradle.


Climb to the tree tops child if you're able
Reach for the highest point you can, and don't let anyone hold you back.


Let your hands tie a knot across the table
Make a promise or commitment, even if it's just to yourself.


Come and touch the things you cannot feel
Explore the unknown and embrace the new and unfamiliar.


Then close your fingertips and fly where I can't hold you
Take risks and venture into the unknown, even if it means leaving comfort and security behind.


Let the sun-rain fall and let the dewy clouds enfold you
Let nature embrace you and experience the beauty of the world around you.


And maybe you can sing to me the words that I just told you
Share your experiences and insights with others, and maybe they can learn from them too.


If all the things you feel ain't what they seem
Question your perceptions and be open to alternate perspectives.


Then don't mind me, 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream.
Remember that everything is subject to interpretation, and your own understanding may not be the only one.


Well, the mocking bird sings each different song
Celebrate individuality and diversity, rather than trying to conform to others' expectations.


Each song has wings, they won't stay long
Embrace change and appreciate the transient nature of life.


Do those who hear think he's doing wrong?
Don't let others' opinions dictate your actions and decisions.


While the church bell tolls its one-note song
Don't get caught up in tradition and conformity at the expense of exploring new ideas and experiences.


And the school bell is tinkling to the throng.
Don't be afraid to learn and grow, even if it means breaking away from the status quo.


Come here where your ears cannot hear
Step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to experience new things.


And close your eyes, child, and listen to what I'll tell you
Be receptive to others' insights and experiences, and learn from them.


Follow in the darkest night the sounds that may impel you
Trust your instincts and follow your passions, even in times of uncertainty and darkness.


And the song that I am singing may disturb or serve to quell you
Be open to perspectives that challenge your own, even if they make you uncomfortable.


If all the sounds you hear ain't what they seem,
Be willing to question your assumptions and seek out different perspectives.


Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream.
Remember that everything is subjective and open to interpretation, and be willing to consider other viewpoints.


The rising smell of fresh-cut grass
Enjoy and appreciate the simple pleasures of life, even amidst chaos and turmoil.


Smothered cities choke and yell with fuming gas
Acknowledge and confront the negative aspects of society and work to create positive change.


I hold some grapes up to the sun
Appreciate the beauty and abundance of nature, and take time to savor life's small pleasures.


And their flavor breaks upon my tongue
Savor the experiences of life, and allow them to fully engage your senses and emotions.


With eager tongues we taste our strife
Embrace and learn from life's challenges and difficulties, rather than shying away from them.


And fill our lungs with seeds of life
Take in the abundance of life, and let it nourish and sustain you.


Come taste and smell the waters of our time
Fully engage with life, and appreciate the richness and complexity of the human experience.


And close your lips, child, so softly that I might kiss you
Be open and receptive to the love and support of others, and let them help guide and nourish you.


Let your flower perfume out and let the winds caress you
Let yourself fully engage with the world and be open to new experiences and perspectives.


As I walk on through the garden, I am hoping I don't miss you
Stay open and willing to connect with others, even amidst uncertainty and change.


If all the things you taste ain't what they seem
Question your perceptions and be open to alternate perspectives.


Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream.
Remember that everything is subject to interpretation, and be open to considering other viewpoints.


The sun and moon both are right
Acknowledge the duality of life, and embrace both light and darkness.


And we'll see them soon through days of night
Have faith that goodness and light will prevail, even in the darkest of times.


But now silver leaves on mirrors bring delight
Find joy and beauty in the small moments of life, even amidst chaos and tumult.


And the colors of your eyes are fiery bright
Celebrate individuality and the unique qualities that make each person special and valuable.


While darkness blinds the skies with all its light
Don't be blinded by negativity or despair, and seek out the good in every situation.


Come see where your eyes cannot see
Expand your horizons and be open to new experiences and perspectives.


And close your eyes, child, and look at what I'll show you
Be receptive to the guidance and support of others, and learn from their experiences and insights.


Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you
Let yourself fully engage with the world, and be open to new experiences and perspectives.


And maybe, when we meet there, suddenly I will know you
Stay open to the unexpected connections and relationships that may develop in life.


If all the things you see ain't quite what they seem
Question your perceptions and be open to alternate perspectives.


Then don't mind me 'cause I ain't nothin' but a dream
Remember that everything is subjective and open to interpretation, and be willing to consider other viewpoints.


And you can follow, and you can follow, follow...
Encouragement to keep progressing forward and to keep an open mind to what the path might throw your way.




Contributed by Jeremiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@verabura9718

Incredible lyrics love her deliverance!!! Plan to have it played at my funeral!

@raymondzia1216

Thanks for Sharing this! This is my favorite cover, of Richie Haven's classic.

@blindnarcissus

nothing compares to Richie Havens.

@vincemyself

Susan Tedeschi does

@brucesoffer9217

There is no comparing of Tedeschi & Havens- They are both artists. If someone gives more props and respect to Richie because he wrote it-or opened at Woodstock- so be it. I love Richie from those times- Susan is a new taste but quite fulfilling.

@papa-ql3xb

The original is incomparable, but Susan does a beautiful job with a truly beautiful song. She can sing for me anytime!

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