Lyrics

When We Rode the Belle

© 2013 David J. Gohn

(This song is inspired generally by the Songs of John Hartford, including many songs about Steamboats. This song is particularly inspired by one of John’s songs, “The Annual Waltz”, and this song is mentioned in the second verse.)

(Chorus)
When was the last time we rode the Belle?
When we were young we were under her spell
There on her decks, in love we fell
We came back yearly, we loved her so dearly
We’d waltz up the river and two step back down
Between the light of the moon and the lights of the town…the lights of the town

(Verse 1)
She’s a floating dance floor with a sternwheel in back
Steam engine below and on top two smokestacks
A gangplank in front and a pilothouse above
Smack dab in the middle we fell in love

(Chorus)

(Verse 2)
Every Summer come high water or hell
To “The Annual Waltz” we would dance on the Belle
Was it air conditioning or fluorescent lights
That made us forget those hot Kentucky nights?

(last chorus)
When was the last time we rode the Belle?
Enchanted summers down in old Louisville
I booked us a room at the Galt House Hotel
So we can rekindle, the feelings that dwindled,
We’ll waltz up the river and two step back down
Between the light of the moon and the lights of the town…the lights of the town