Watching the Waves Roll In | The Madison Andersons

I wrote this song in 1974. We were living in our tent while unemployed and touring the Western US. We spent several months on the Pacific Coast, slowly moving north as spring headed toward summer. During that time we spent a lot of time strolling the beaches. The words and melody came to me one afternoon on the beach.

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1. Watching the waves roll in; washing the cares from in my mind.
Strolling the sloping sand looking for what they’ve left behind.
Each different shell is a treasure; special in its own way.
Reminding us both of the pleasure that we found today.

2. Watching the clouds drift by leisurely in the sky of blue.
Adding a soft white touch; as long as they don’t turn gray they’ll do.
Each different shape has a meaning that instantly changes its mind.
A whim of the wind that blows mist in our face all the time.

3. While we’re watching the waves roll in; crashing upon the sandy shore.
Wiping out where we’ve been; promising that there will be more
Changes to come in the future. The beach it will soon redesign,
And though it works freehand I know what it plans will be fine.

4. Watching the waves roll in; washing the cares from in my mind.
Strolling the sloping sand looking for what they’ve left behind.
Each different shell is a treasure; special in its own way.
Reminding us both of the pleasure that we found today.
Just watching the waves roll in.