Grinding Stone

See the hills on the other side

Way beyond the meadow wide

Standing underneath the azure sky

In a state of harmony

Feel the breeze while the tall grass sways   

To the music of ancient ways   

It’s a dance that can last for days       

Like the deepest memory   

Put on your boots and then let’s go

I’ll take you down to the sacred grove           

Here’s a thing or two you ought to know  

There’s a world we cannot see

We are walking on hallowed ground

Where the Native spirits abound

This is where the Chumash found

Life and destiny     

   Oh, and it’s bitter sweet

   On one hand it’s a sad old story        

   And on the other it’s a field of dreams

   It’s pain and glory

Why is it me that gets to reap what’s been sown

By the sweat and blood of all those before me

I am so grateful now to call this my home

And I’ll take good care of that ‘ol grinding stone

When it rains it’s a masterpiece

The creek is running, it’s at full speed 

And everywhere there’s a luscious green

But many did get lost       

The first people use to gather here

One with nature, without fear

Then they all began to disappear

In the shadow of the cross

   Oh, it makes you wanna cry       

   This is something that should never happen

   I wish I could make it right

   And I often wonder why

Why is it me that gets to reap what’s been sown

By the sweat and blood of all those before me?

I am so grateful now to call this my home

And I’ll take good care of that ‘ol grinding stone

In the name of righteousness a race proud and free

Was slowly gathered up and taken

Becoming slaves for something they could not see

Such a mournful fate to be forsaken 

It’s a wonder this field remains

As it was in former days

The bulldozer couldn’t find it’s way  

It’s a miracle to me 

   Oh, in a thousand years

   Will the earth be strong and healthy?

   Can the hills persevere?

   Will the spirits still be here?

Why is it me that gets to reap what’s been sown

By the sweat and blood of all those before me?

I am so grateful now to call this my home

And I’ll take good care of that ‘ol grinding stone