Sleep No Rest Songtext
von Beaver Nelson

I dreamed I saw a little town
A mile of dust away
I walked along the footpath bridge
Just at the break of day
I must′ve come upon low times
And needed now to eat
Looked for "breakfast open" signs
There was no one on the street

The counter seats were empty
Tables empty, too
Cook said you can seat yourself
"Nearest chair will do"
The buffet stretched from wall to wall
Like it I'd never seen
Set just like a New Year′s ball
No one there but me


Said I was glad to beat the rush
First pickings at the feast
He said, "There won't be no one by
Not man, nor beast."
I said, "Why do you make all this
If no one passes through?"
He said, "That's what I′ve always done
It′s just what I do."

My belly warm as circled stones
Caging in a fire
Paid the bill and wandered out
Curious and tired
Thinking of a face I guess
Unnamed, gentle and lost
I made a hundred steps and found
An old dressmaker's shop

Gowns of white and black and red
Purple, gold and gray
I thought about the parties fair
And weddings on the way
And all the dresses made by hand
Not a one the same
Thimbled fingers stitching lines
Waiting to be claimed


I said, "There are some lucky girls
You have made these for."
She said, "I haven′t met them yet
No one comes in my store."
I asked, "Why do you make them
When they just sit out for view?"
She said, "That's what I′ve always done
It's just what I do."

The sun was up; the heat was strong
I spied around for shade
I saw a chapel across the square
Thought it good I′d pray
Heard a voice as I went in
My eyes adjusted slow
Ambled in to take a seat
On the next to last row

The preacher's voice was calm and sure
The choir loft was bare
As sight came back I came to find
I was alone in there
I asked, "Why do you do this
When nobody's in the pew?"
He said, "It′s what I′ve always done
I'll do it now for you."