Track 4 of the album Lullabies for Grown-Ups · 2010
Fog on the Footpath
“A walk to the bus stop in thick fog, turned into a hush. I sang it very close to the microphone.”
indie folk · pastoral folk · hushed folk · 2:59
Lyrics
The morning wore a grey wool coat When I stepped out the door The hedgerows dripped, the gate was lost The fields were there no more My old dog pulled ahead of me Her tail a white-tipped flag And I followed in the quiet With my collar and my bag Fog on the footpath I can't see far, but that's all right Just the next few steps, the next soft shape Is all I need tonight Every tree's a secret Every stile a small surprise Fog on the footpath And a clearer, kinder mind A church bell rings from nowhere Somewhere past the hill A blackbird scolds the whiteness The whole wide world is still My boots are dark with dewfall My breath goes up like song I never knew how much I'd gain By not seeing for so long Fog on the footpath I can't see far, but that's all right Just the next few steps, the next soft shape Is all I need tonight Every tree's a secret Every stile a small surprise Fog on the footpath And a clearer, kinder mind I used to want the map laid out Each turning planned and known Now I like the not-yet-knowing The walking on my own The dog looks back to check on me Her eyes are bright and sure And that's enough of a compass For a morning, and for more Fog on the footpath I can't see far, but that's all right Just the next few steps, the next soft shape Is all I need tonight Every tree's a secret Every stile a small surprise Fog on the footpath And a clearer, kinder mind Step by step, the white lifts slow And the way comes home