Makeda Hampton, Soprano

Lyrics

Toni Morrison (1931 - )

THE TOWN IS LIT

It’s been suggested:
well kept lawns and fences
white porch swings and toast by the fire.
It’s been requested:
puppies,
a window of blossoming pear trees
and a place for the robins to nest.
But I know that somewhere, out there
The town is lit
The players begin
To make music in all the cafés
Clowns on wheels
Linger to steal
Foxes that click on the curb
Lovers expecting
The night to protect them
The moon too far to disturb
Trees in the park
Dance after dark
To music in all the cafés.

It’s been suggested:
well kept lawns and fences
white porch swings and toast by the fire.
It’s been requested:
puppies,
a window of blossoming pear trees
and a place for the robins to nest.
But I know that somewhere, out there
Geminis split
Sagittarians kick
To the music in all the cafés
Aquarians throw
Gold on the floor
To rival the glitter it makes
Pisces swim
Over the rim
Knowing they’ve got what it takes
To cut through the dark
And get to the heart of the music in all the cafés.