I was born and raised in a simple country town
With quiet rolling hills and herds of cattle all around
It was a peaceful place to grow, but I was happy when I found
   A magic carpet that unfurled 
   to take me all around the world

My father once vowed that he’d break my will
I ask the man now if he’s had his fill
Of my flaunting every childhood convention and then still
   Never being satisfied 
   in my adventures far and wide

The little country church beside a river near the sea
Preached a quiet, quaint brand of hypocrisy
Which worked well for the church folk, but not so well for me
   I had to ride that carpet out 
   and see what the world was all about

My dear mother loved me and it broke her heart
When I deserted her religion and created a new start
For my self, to carve into the world a sacred part
   Of me, 
   to leave my own initials in the bark of Life’s great Tree

A myriad of people that I met along the way
A sea of views and cultures with their own stories to say
They all enriched my life with new adventures every day
   Bringing wisdom and insight, 
   and to my mind new truth and light

Twenty countries later and I stop to lift my pen
Fifteen years along the journey between what is now and then
If you asked me whether or not I’d do it all over again
   I’d put the pen down with a grin and say, 
   “Bring it on, baby - and let the chips fall where they may.”