My name is Calypso

This Suzanne Vega song came up on shuffle. I performed this song with my friend Leslie, LONG time ago at an SSG company retreat. Those were the days! Each year we had a retreat, and the retreat included a talent show. We had some very talented folks, and I was pleased to get the opportunity to get up on stage with a friendly audience.

Leslie played guitar and I sang. I was very nervous. Hearing the song today, I am reminded of that moment. I also remember I was at a dark place in my life, although not as dark as recent years.

What I take away from the song now is the beauty of the protagonist, and the strength she showed in letting this man go, even though it would mean she would be alone again. I get pictures in my head of garden islands on the sea, a woman on the shore, standing in the wind. I might be inspired to paint that scene, in my copious spare time ;)

Calypso
by Suzanne Vega

My name is Calypso
And I have lived alone
I live on an island
And I waken to the dawn
A long time ago
I watched him struggle with the sea
I knew that he was drowning
And I brought him into me
Now today
Come morning light
He sails away
After one last night
I let him go.


My name is Calypso
My garden overflows
Thick and wild and hidden
Is the sweetness there that grows
My hair it blows long
As I sing into the wind
My name is Calypso
And I have lived alone
I live on an island
I tell of nights
Where I could taste the salt on his skin


Salt of the waves
And of tears
And though he,pulled away
I kept him here for years
I let him go


My name is Calypso
I have let him go
In the dawn he sails away
To be gone forever more
And the waves will take him in again
But he'll know their ways now
I will stand upon the shore
With a clean heart


And my song in the wind
The sand will sting my feet
And the sky will burn
It's a lonely time ahead
I do not ask him to return
I let him go
I let him go