Album: A Night on the Town (1990)
Charted: 84
Play Video
  • There was a man of confused and sad nature
    Thought no one loved him that was not true
    He said he was a lost soul didn't fit in anywhere
    Didn't know where to turn or who to turn to

    There's a lost soul coming down the road
    Somewhere between two worlds
    With an oar in his hands and a song on your lips
    We'll row the boat to the far shore
    Row the boat of the loved lost soul

    Ever since oh I can remember
    We all tried to ease the pain
    Took him in when he needed some shelter
    Tried to make him feel he was one of us again
    There was one day oh I can remember
    He sat alone with a pencil in his hand
    All day long he drew careful on the paper
    In the end just a picture of a man

    Of the lost soul coming down the road
    Somewhere between two worlds
    With an oar in his hands and a song on your lips
    We'll row the boat to the far shore
    Row the boat of love lost soul

    Oh dear Mary do you remember
    The day we went walking downtown
    As I recall it was in early December
    After school had just let out
    When I see you on the street in the twilight
    I may tip my hat and keep my head down
    You show me love but maybe I don't deserve it
    I've been called but not been found

    There's a lost soul coming down the road
    Somewhere between two worlds
    With an oar in his hands and a song on your lips
    We'll row the boat to the far shore
    Row the boat of the loved lost soul Writer/s: BRUCE HORNSBY
    Publisher: Downtown Music Publishing
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Fenfool from Flemington, NjThere is a slightly different version on the Intersection boxed set. It sounds like an alternate take from the Night on the Town album track, definitely the same vocalists, but some of the choices they make musically are a little different. A wonderful song!
  • Verification Nation from Reno, NvLike other comments listed there are more than one version of this track. Spotify has a live version that was taken from BR Essentials Live 2005. This version does not sound like BH as the singer. It also does not depict Shawn as the duet singer either. That version is a more cut down stripped as far as background music.
  • Michael from Portland, OrThere are definitely two recordings of this. The iTunes version is not Bruce Hornsby vocals. Perhaps it’s Adam Durtiz as Fins suggests. If you watch the music video, it’s obviously Bruce Hornsby singing with Shawn Colvin and it’s noticeably different than the iTunes recording - which is still includes her.
  • Fins from Dallas, TxHad to search this one immediately. I recognized Bruce's piano instantly, and picked up on Shawn but would have sworn Adam Duritz was also providing vocals. GREAT tune!!
  • Chelsea from Pa, AzSuch a beautiful duet, I love Bruce Hornsby, he's one of the best!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.