Story Behind The Song

This idea came about when I was taking a train trip across my home state of New York. I ended up sitting next to a young lady (whose name I didn't get) who looked just like someone I knew. I took the idea and ran with it!

The title was inspired by John Braheny's book, "The Craft and Business of Songwriting." It suggested coming up with unusual word combos for titles ("Karma Chameleon", "Mandolin Rain", etc.). I came up with "Silver Wind." Great title, but what the hell is it? Well, later down the line, I had this experience. I eventually put two and two together, and this is the result.

This was derived from a true story, although I took some liberties for the song. She was a brunette, not a redhead; I never went to my Senior Prom; and I actually took the train from Syracuse, not Buffalo (but I thought Buffalo sounded better in the song).

Song Description

A familiar face, and a past memory

Lyrics

SILVER WIND
Words and music by Ray Kim


1: I boarded the train at Buffalo;
My mind was set on getting back home...
A red-haired girl was sitting by the window,
So beautiful, and quite alone...

She looked just like this girl I used to know...
I stopped and asked, "Hey, Kate, is that you...?"
She looked up and smiled, and she shook her head,
But there was something there I knew...

Chorus: Listen to the sweet voice of the Silver Wind...
Her song carries views from the past...
Of places and times that were left far behind,
And mem'ries that forever will last...

2: I asked her if the seat was taken...
She shook her head and gave me a smile...
I sat back in the coach, and I looked at my watch...
I'd be there for quite a while...

I couldn't stop looking at her...
I swore that I was seeing a ghost...
But it couldn't be her, 'cause the girl that I knew
Was out on the West Coast...

(To Chorus)

3: I remembered the night of the Senior Prom...
The time was late; the night air was hot...
And while the rest of the world was sound asleep,
We made love in the parking lot...

But we knew somehow that it'd never work out;
We went off in our own separate ways...
And the last I heard, she was happily married,
And with a kid on the way...

(To Chorus)

4: We talked for hours as the train sped on;
I couldn't ask for better company...
Hours passed like minutes, and we barely noticed
As we pulled into Albany...

I said, "I've gotta go; this is where I get off...
It's been a real pleasure talking to you..."
She said, "Thank you, my friend, I hope we meet again...
I'd love to spend more time with you..."

(To Chorus)

5: I stood on the platform as the train pulled out...
Her smile was on my mind just the same...
I picked up my bags, and then I realized
That I'd never even asked her her name...

I called my friend to hitch a ride...
I waited in the station alone...
And my mind was wand'ring as I got in the car
And rode back home...

(To Chorus)



Copyright 1990, Ray Kim