The Poet and the Painter Songtext

von Jethro Tull

The Poet and the Painter casting shadows on the water
As the sun plays on the infantry returning from the sea.
The do-er and the thinker: no allowance for the other
As the failing light illuminates the mercenary's creed.
The home fire burning: the kettle almost boiling
But the master of the house is far away.
The horses stamping, their warm breath clouding
In the sharp and frosty morning of the day.
And the poet lifts his pen while the soldier sheaths his sword.
And the youngest of the family is moving with authority.
Building castles by the sea, he dares the tardy tide to wash them all aside.

The cattle quietly grazing at the grass down by the river
Where the swelling mountain water moves onward to the sea:
The builder of the castles renews the age-old purpose
And contemplates the milking girl whose offer is his need.
The young men of the household have all gone into service
And are not to be expected for a year.
The innocent young master - thoughts moving ever faster -
Has formed the plan to change the man he seems.
And the poet sheaths his pen while the soldier lifts his sword.
And the oldest of the family is moving with authority.
Coming from across the sea, he challenges the son who puts him to the run.