The fading scent of summertime, arbutus trees and firs

The glistening of rain-soaked moss

Going to the dairy queen at dusk

Down narrow roads in autumn light The salt air and the sawmills

And the bars are full of songs and tears

To the passing of the tugboats

And people with their big ideas I just get home and then I leave again

It's long ago and far away

Now we're skimming stones and exchanging rings

They're scattering and sailing from departure bay The house was bare of Christmas lights

It came down hard that year

Outside in our overcoats, drinking down to the bitter end

Trying to make things right, like my mother did Last year we were laughing

We sang in church so beautifully

Now her perfume's on the bathroom counter

And I'm sitting in my back pew crying I just get home and then I leave again

It's long ago and far away

Now we're skimming stones and exchanging rings

They're scattering and sailing from departure bay A song plays on the gramophone

And thoughts turn back to life

We took the long way to get back like driving over the Malahat

Now a seaplane drones and time has flown I won't miss all the glamor

While my heart is beating and my lilacs bloom

But who knew when I started

That I'd find a love and bring him home Just get me there and one we will stay

A long time off and far away

Now we're skimming stones and exchanging rings

We're scattering and diving in departure bay