Shelter From The Storm
The Sweet Tea Project Lyrics

'Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
This song is a recollection of a time of hardship and effort.

When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
During this time, difficult circumstances were seen as good and the path to progress was challenging.

I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form.
The person had no clear identity or purpose and felt lost before finding the woman who offers them shelter.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman offers a place of safety and respite from tumultuous events.

And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
The artist promises to always help the woman in return for the shelter she provided.

I'll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
The singer will make sure to repay the kindness shown to them.

In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm.
The world is a cruel and unforgiving place, and people struggle to survive.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman continues to offer safety and protection from hardship.

Not a word was spoke between us, there was little risk involved
The two individuals did not need words to understand each other and found no danger in coming together for refuge.

Everything up to that point had been left unresolved.
Prior conflicts or problems that had occurred before taking refuge were unresolved.

Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm.
The woman offers an idealized version of a safe and comfortable home environment.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman continues to extend her kindness and home to the troubled individual.

I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail, Poisoned in the bushes an' blown out on the trail, Hunted like a crocodile, ravaged in the corn.
The individual has experienced great physical and emotional harm before taking refuge.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
Despite the individual's previous hardships, the woman offers safety and protection.

Suddenly I turned around and she was standin' there With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair.
The woman is described as beautiful and adorned, providing a stark contrast to the individual's disheveled and injured state.

She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns.
The woman removes the artist's pain and distress and replaces it with safety and comfort.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman continues to offer protection from external difficulties and internal strife.

Now there's a wall between us, somethin' there's been lost
As time passes, there is a growing sense of distance and disconnection between the two individuals.

I took too much for granted, got my signals crossed.
The singer recognizes that they did not appreciate the woman's kindness and signals of friendship accurately before a rift emerged.

Just to think that it all began on a long-forgotten morn.
The artist reflects on how easily things can change and how quickly gratitude can turn to indifference.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
Despite the emotional shift, the woman is still offering protection and refuge from the world.

Well, the deputy walks on hard nails and the preacher rides a mount
The world may be corrupt, but that does not diminish the woman's offer of a peaceful haven.

But nothing really matters much, it's doom alone that counts
Despite the woman's kindness, the singer recognizes that the world is uncertain and doomed.

And the one-eyed undertaker, he blows a futile horn.
Even death and finality will not disturb the woman's protection of the artist.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman's sanctuary is unyielding, even in the face of death.

I've heard newborn babies wailin' like a mournin' dove
The singer recognizes that life is full of sorrow and pain, but that can be comforted by the woman's shelter.

And old men with broken teeth stranded without love.
The woman's refuge is for everyone who has suffered or struggled, regardless of background or circumstance.

Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn?
The artist recognizes the hopelessness of the world and wonders if the woman can provide an answer.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman continues to promise respite from the turmoil of life.

In a little hilltop village, they gambled for my clothes
The singer has faced loss and danger before, but the woman's shelter provides rest and comfort.

I bargained for salvation an' they gave me a lethal dose.
The singer's search for hope led to betrayal, but the woman's promise of safety is unwavering.

I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn.
The artist was deceived and punished for their trust, but the woman's offer of shelter is genuine and well-meaning.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman's invitation remains open and sincere.

Well, I'm livin' in a foreign country but I'm bound to cross the line
Even though the artist is far from home, the woman's offer of refuge is universal and without limits.

Beauty walks a razor's edge, someday I'll make it mine.
The singer recognizes that life is difficult and harsh, but strives to capture and enjoy the beautiful moments that exist.

If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born.
The artist recognizes the unique, special nature of the woman's offer of shelter and desires to go back to a time when it first arose.

"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."
The woman's offer remains unyielding and true, providing a respite from the difficulties of life.