As I Depart...

Recently I have become obsessed with country music. I cannot explain why, but I just love the twang and the silly lyrics and the way country music focuses on the little beautiful things in life. Here are the lyrics to a Garth Brooks' song that I've found really inspiring as I'm about to embark on my trip. A country song as my new theme song?! Perhaps I'm more in touch with my American roots than I let myself think; and maybe that's not such a bad thing after all.

The River

You know a dream is like a river

Ever changin' as it flows,

And a dreamer's just a vessel

That must follow where it goes.

Trying to learn from what's behind you

And never knowing what's in store

Makes each day a constant battle

Just to stay between the shores.

And I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry.

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky.

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try,

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry.

Too many times we stand aside

And let the waters slip away;

'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow

Has now become today.

So don't you sit upon the shoreline

And say your satisfied

Choose to chance the rapids

And dare to dance the tide.

There's bound to be rough waters

And I know I'll take some falls,

But with the World as my captain

I can make it through them all.

Yes I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry.

Like a bird upon the wind,

These waters are my sky.

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try.

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry.