The Lake

The Lake is a b-side from the 1993 James single Laid. It also features on the 2001 B-Sides Ultra compilation and the Japanese version of the Laid album.

It was one of Tim’s favourite songs, but was vetoed by the band for inclusion on Laid because of its lyrical content. It was included in the setlists on the 2011 and 2023/4 orchestral tours.

Details

LyricsListenReleaseAvailable OnGigsGuitar Tabs

He said I must be dreaming
But I thought I heard the sound
The sound that lovers make
As they drop down from the window
Quiet as cats, across the courtyard
Moving from shadow to shadow
Past the guards to the forest
So quiet in her still reflection
Drawing them down, drawing them down to the lake
To the centre of her attention

Steal the moon tonight
Before the morning
Steal the moon tonight
I just love a good mystery

And on the West Bank a boat is being pulled
Across the sands they move so softly
Slip into water
Oars dip, don't break the moon's reflection
And drift like a cloud
To the centre
Beneath her cool attention

Still water
Still water

Steal the moon tonight
Before the morning
Steal the moon tonight

I want to drown in your moon dream
I've seen you rising from shore to shore
I want to drown in your moon dream
I've seen you rising

Steal the moon tonight
Shine
Shine
Shine