Procol Harum - In Held 'Twas in I: Glimpses of Nirvana lyrics

In the darkness of the night Only occasionally relieved by glimpses of Nirvana As seen through other people's windows Wallowing in a mora** of self-despair Made only more painful by the knowledge That all I am is of my own making ... When everything around me, even the kitchen ceiling Has collapsed and crumbled without warning And I am left, standing alive and well Looking up and wondering why and wherefore At a time like this, which exists maybe only for me But is nonetheless real, if I can communicate And in the telling and the bearing of my soul Anything is gained, even though the words Which I use are pretentious and make you cringe With embarra**ment, let me remind you of the pilgrim Who asked for an audience with the Dalai Lama He was told he must first spend five years in contemplation After the five years He was ushered into the Dalai Lama's presence, who said 'Well, my son, what do you wish to know?' So the pilgrim said 'I wish to know the meaning of life, father.' And the Dalai Lama smiled and said 'Well my son, life is like a beanstalk, isn't it?' Held close by that which some despise Which some call fake, and others lies And somewhat small For one so tall A doubting Thomas who would be? It's written plain for all to see For one who I am with no more It's hard at times, it's awful raw They say that Jesus healed the sick and helped the poor And those unsure Believed his eyes - a strange disguise Still write it down and wipe it red Nothing's better left unsaid Only sometimes, still no doubt It's hard to see, it all works out