Ocean Suite

 
Part I “The Old Man In the Sea” (Ric Albano / Sue Kovaleski)

Another time, another place, there forever in our minds
The perfect rhyme, the sweetest taste
Essence of the summertime
We would go sailing into the ocean

From near and far our sundry clan, congregated on this shore
And at our heart there was one man
Who gave us this and so much more
As he would go sailing into the sea

So deep, so dark, yet able to fathom
So many of life’s unpredictable tides
The sailor’s heart, helped us navigate her labyrinth
And we’d never run aground with him by our side
He gave us time…

He marked the time with his routines
Letting us know what each we had
A quite distinguished ardency, to Heaven’s character he’ll add
Now that he is the current of the sea

Now that he’s gone she will not be the same
Although to her we’ll return to reflect on such bliss
And to listen to her tide whisper his unique name,
Reassures us someday we will witness another time…

Another time, another place, all winding roads will lead to here
The endless prime, the smoothest pace,
Eternal summertime, it’s clear
That he is now sailing upon this ocean

Part II “Twilight of Innocence” (Ric Albano)

Early on a Friday in May, dancing on a crest of a wave
I can feel the sudden crashing of cold water rush upon my shore
At the twilight of innocence, curiosity pushed to turbulence
Bewildered by passive hints
That soon you may not need me anymore

I shouldn’t anything distract me from anything
That’s going on this perfect day of leisure and play
These truly are the best of times, dreamscape array
For five years we have built this theme, day by day
Don’t let it end, don’t let it end

The sympathetic follower with so much on her mind
Please open up your eyes
Cherish everything that you will surely find
In a year or twelve you may not remember this quite the way I do
But I’ll always remember you

You shouldn’t let anything distract you from everything
That flows out of this perfect day of bliss and fun
These truly are the best of times, cannot be outdone
Please don’t allow the trite to grow into distraction
To what you’ve got, and you’ve got a lot

We left the beach as the dark patches advanced to hide the sun
Climbed to a perch to observe the meteorological phenomenon
Two brilliant rainbows in a jaunty dance beneath the haunting clouds
In turn they tapped the gray water on either side
Like Heaven’s arms outstretched and grasping at the tide
Seagulls a-blaze in bent light, a truly mythical sight
The night arrived with such harmony
Embroiled forever in my memory

Later on the sand that day, I wondered what you might say
If you could reflect back on this time now along with us four
What an order we possess, this turning over of the vines
While this world may be a mess
Perhaps your judgment will excel from mine

Would you tell me that everything is a segue to everything
That’s going on, that makes us strong, that builds the song
It’s what you’ve got, ready or not

Heaven’s ambiance is the crashing of the tide
Fades and echoes to the past as we commence our return ride
The day expired with such harmony
Embroiled forever in my memory, in my memory

It’s what I see when I retreat into the halls
Of my memory, my memory

Part III “The Dawning” (Ric Albano / Bret Alexander)

Instrumental

Part IV “Here On the Beach” (Ric Albano)

Don’t be afraid this peril is likely to fade
But I’ll stay if you want me to
‘Cause here on the beach, all options are within our reach
I will stay if you ask me to

Hanging around, suspended above the ground
Patiently waiting our turn
Chipping away at the stones of yesterday
Hoarding in all we can learn

We’ve done the subdue
Now it’s time to commence with the quintessential pursuit
What we long to do

Living the dream, coining lucid themes
Getting a turn at the dance
Climbing the tower, will I aptly manage the power?
I sure would welcome the chance

Here on the beach
The everlasting song is just within our reach
‘Cause our day is sure coming soon
I will stay if you ask me to