Donna
Music/Arrangement/Instrumentation/Production: Billy Playle
Vocals: Monique French
Lyrics: Donna Devine
Aiko-san and the Bamboo Blind
(v1)
Like a peony bud
I opened for you
While peach blossoms filled
The air with perfume
You whispered my name
Made ‘Aiko-san’ holy
As outside the bamboo blind
Time faded slowly
(Chorus)
Oh, my hair gleamed like a raven’s wing
My pale skin glowed like porcelain
When I was young my step was light
As I brought you sakana and sake at night
And we sighed behind the bamboo blind
(v2)
The letter in winter
On paper of rice
With news of an old war
Turned warm blood to ice
Your silence did little
To banish my fears
As the snow on your collar
Melted under my tears
Bridge
You grasped the sword
That hung at your side
Proud samurai husband
Soon to make me a widow
Then bowed, took your leave
All these years I still grieve
I ache for the shape of your head
On my pillow
(v3)
You died on a mountain
They found you in spring
Still holding a letter
I’d wrapped in bright string
Now the path to my garden
Is rough and unswept
No lover has crossed it
Since the hour you left
(Chorus)
Oh, my hair gleamed like a raven’s wing
My pale skin glowed like porcelain
When I was young my step was light
Now feet are leaden that pace at night
As I weep behind the bamboo blind
© 2009 Donna Devine & Billy Playle