[brief melancholic harmonica solo]
[Intro: fingerpicked acoustic guitar, melancholic harmonica]
The gilded cage, it beckons bright,
A promise echoing, day and night.
"Own all the keys, unlock all of fate,"
No mortal hand can reach that state.

[Verse 1]
Some strive to gather, see, and know,
All that the world could ever show.
No matter their rank, or their renown,
All human achievement, hits a bound.

[Chorus: woman, soft but clear, slightly raspy]
You can own a lot, (own a lot)
But you can't own the world, (own the world)
Choose wisely how to spend your days
Accept the gifts that life conveys.

[Verse 2]
Release the burdens, you have held,
The stories that you've been compelled.
To keep and cherish, through the years,
Let go, feel obligations disappear.

[Chorus: woman, soft but clear, slightly raspy]
I can own a lot, (own a lot)
But I can't own the world, (own the world)
Choose wisely how to spend my days
Accept the gifts that life conveys.

[Bridge: instrumental break, harmonica solo, slightly more upbeat]
[harmonica solo]

[Verse 3]
The world extends a brimming hand,
But wisdom lies in quieter command.
Not every prize is yours to seize,
In letting go, the heart finds easing.

[Chorus: woman, soft but clear, slightly raspy]
You can own a lot, (own a lot)
But you can't own the world, (own the world)
Choose wisely how to spend your days
Accept the gifts that life conveys.

[Verse 4]
So gather close what is preferred,
A raven's wing, a whispered word.
In gentle calm, find sweet embrace.
And find your peace, in time and space.

[Outro: guitar fades, harmonica lingers]
The grasp released, a quiet sigh,
Enough, at last, beneath the sky.
[end]

[Verse 4]
So gather close what is preferred,
A raven's wing, a whispered word.
In gentle calm, find sweet embrace.
And find your peace, in time and space.

[Outro: guitar fades, harmonica lingers]
The grasp released, a quiet sigh,
Enough, at last, beneath the sky.
[end]