The Lady Vanishes
Fairport Convention's second albumn with Chris Leslie, The Wood and the Wire,
features several songs written by Chris with Nigel Stonier. This is my favourite.
[Capo on 3] C/A [3 0 2 0 1 0]
Intro - Pick out bass run G, A, B, C on the first 4 chords, use same run in chorus.
G C/A G C Gm F D
G C G
I've seen the trick performed but not one so rare
Am C D
She's finary in motion with ease and savoire-faire
C G
But when that name is mentioned, when her guard is down
Gm F D
He gaze will drop so sharply and her heart begin to pound
G C/A G C
In a fleeting moment
G C G Am
The watchfull eye discerns
D G
The Lady vanishes, the child returns
C/A G C Gm F D
G C G
Her conversation dances, her jewels and trickets gleam
Am C D
She walks in grace and laughter as one who treads a dream
C G
What ghost or broken remnant is it that clouds her face
Gm F D
And puts a frightened stranger there helpless in her place?
G C/A G C
In a fleeting moment
G C G Am
A torch that always burns
D G
The Lady vanishes, the child returns
C/A G C Gm F D
C G
Is it a strange expression that rises and is gone
Am C D
Deep fear comes into her eyes like clouds across the sun
G C G
Mysterious disappearance unclear from where I stand
Am C D
I watch for smoke and mirrors I watch for sleight of hand
C G
She takes a breath and settles laughs quickly and denies
Gm F D
Before my words are ready, before my very eyes
G C/A G C
In a fleeting moment
G C G Am
her face still grieves and yearns
D G
The Lady vanishes, the child returns
Gm F D
G C/A G C
In a fleeting moment
G C G Am
The watchfull eye discerns
D G
The Lady vanishes, the child returns
(Outro)
C/A G C Gm F D G