River Falls

"River Falls" is a story song the commemorates a teacher.

"It is the people, not its placement on the Earth, that measure what a place is really worth."

River Falls
Words and music by Roger Tomhave ©1988
Roger Tomhave lead voc, bgv, guitar
Daniel Johnson ac guitar

In the office of a man in River Falls
From boxes I remember filled the walls
He brewed a cup of tea for me
And talked of life and history
And now when there’s a silence in the halls
River Falls, River Falls, River Falls—calls.

Though I never really like the taste of tea
It somehow tasted awfully grand to me
Served with artistic majesty
And two scoops of philosophy
I still can hear the chimes of old North Hall
River Falls, River Falls, River Falls—calls.

What was it that he said-- I don’t recall
From problems great to matters very small
From the man who sat in that office chair
I learned to teach, and I learned to care
And when I tell my students of St. Paul’s
River Falls, River Falls, River Falls—calls.

Ah the beauty of the things he sees
The painted woods of willow trees
I don’t think I’ll ever understand
His trembling, solid hand.

It’s the people, not its placement on the earth
That measure what a place is truly worth
And sometimes when I’m all alone
I think about another home
And still can hear the call of old North Hall
River Falls, River Falls, River Falls—calls.