Just a Wave, Not the Water
by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, 1988
Thirst is not the answer, oceans come and go
I loved her seven seas worth, Lord I loved her so
But she let me down so easy, one slow drop at a time
I would’ve killed myself but it made no sense
Committing suicide in self defense
But I lost everything I brought her
When she said babe, you’re just a wave, you’re not the water
Centuries ago we were living on the gold coast
She was still in love with a long, gone, cold ghost
I was only trying to turn back the tide of her tears
I felt like an endless ocean, rolling through the fog
Full emotion drifting like a weather beaten log
I even thought that I out-thought her
Till she said babe, you’re just a wave, you’re not the water
I said someday we’ll love again, then you’ll know the score
I’ve taught you everything I know and maybe even more
That’s true she said, more than you ever will
I’ve said I’ve been your raging river, precious African queen
I’ve shown you everything that I’ve ever seen
But she knew more than I had taught her
When she said babe, you’re just a wave, you’re not the water
Well I followed her far and wide with all of my will
Water on the move, you know it never stands still
And I moved every muscle, just to prove it can be done
Then up some old sad river, where snow white lilies float
I came to her for mercy, but I hardly rocked the boat
She seemed surprised that I have caught her
But she said babe, you’re just a wave, you’re not the water
She said babe, you’re just a wave, you’re not the water
