I was 19 in 67
I turned the radio on.
I had listened to so much music,
I knew so many a song
But never before had I found one
That hit me so soft and so strong.
I wrapped it and carried it with me
You filled the gaps in my soul
I was yearning for words of wisdom.
That day you made me whole.

There’s a tree that grows here in Bergen
It stands in bright green shroud
You saluted it last time you were here
It stands now so strong and so proud.
And if you come to our door in the evening
And the sun is about to set
We will see it go down from our window
The finest view you can get.

And we will give you shelter
We can offer a good night’s sleep
Our bedding is not satin
But our cotton is fresh and clean.
I know that you like a good table
Why don’t you sit down at mine,
We will eat in peace together
We will share our bread and wine.

We can talk of life and music
And sing the songs we have dear.
We can sit and reflect in silence
On the roads that brought us here.
I know you fought your battles
In my life there’ve been eagle and dove
But I know when all comes to all in the end
All that matters at last is love.

Let’s go down to the harbor
Where the famous blue raincoat's not torn
Where Suzanne is laughing and dancing
Where Joan of Arc is not forlorn
Where Alexandra’s not leaving
She no longer has to roam.
Where the sisters of mercy are waiting,
And the partisan has come home.

In gratitude.