Lyric discussion by ReflectingOnReality 

Cover art for Ripple lyrics by Grateful Dead

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung Would you hear my voice come through the music Would you hold it near as it were your own?

Hypothetical question could words be magical glowing with...gold and power of the sun and you can't get that tune out of your head or the words that get stuck in your head and soon it is like the words are your own

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken Perhaps they're better left unsung I don't know, don't really care Let there be songs to fill the air

The words are not yours they break your own thought maybe it is better if this wasn't sung but he doesn't know or care so do as though wilt

(Chorus)

Ripple in still water When there is no pebble tossed Nor wind to blow

there is a dead body in the water sinking air bubbles floating to the top don't need wind or pebbles for that

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty If your cup is full may it be again Let it be known there is a fountain That was not made by the hands of men

This is the sacrifice for nothing is for free in the world. But the fountain of wealth you fill your cup from does not come from man.

There is a road, no simple highway Between the dawn and the dark of night And if you go no one may follow That path is for your steps alone

There are certain steps you must take to part the veil of dark and light no one can do it for you for it must be of your own freewill

You who choose to lead must follow But if you fall you fall alone If you should stand then who's to guide you? If I knew the way I would take you home

when you make that choice of your own freewill then you must follow the lead of the one who guides you If you fail you will die alone If it was up the writer they would guide you but they do not have that knowledge nor ability

hmmm maybe I should make my comments rhyme?