Ross
by Brenda Sutton
© 1986

This song was inspired by C.J. Cherryh's novel, Merchanter's LuckI'm often fascinated with the minor throw-away characters who populate great novels.  Ross is already dead at the beginning of the story, only his voice and spirit live on in the computer banks of the ship.  Fascinating....

Ross is available on the Stranger's No More CD from DAG Productions http://www.filk.com/store/index.htm.

D---/Dm7---/D7---/C---/G---/C---/G---/D---/D7,Dm7,D,Dm7//
Am---/C---/A---/G---/Am---/C---/G---/D, Dm7, D,Dm7/

Sandy, are you listening?
Sandy, do you read me?
It's the best that I can do.
Boy, you're on your own now.
Hold me in your memory.
Use these tapes to see you through.

I have emptied my mind
In the ship's computer;
Push a button, hear my voice.
I will talk you through it.
I know you can do it.
Sandy, it's the only choice.

What a life I leave you.
I know it's not easy
Wandering port to port alone,
But now you're the family,
You're the last survivor.
How I wish I'd seen you grown.

Sandy, set the course in.
Sandy, can I help you?
Sandy, do you think that's wise?
Keep your wits about you.
Keep your choices open.
In the end, it's plan - not size.

Mine will be the first voice
When you wish to waken,
And the last you hear at night.
Wrap the sound around you
Like a thermal blanket;
Let me talk away the fright.

You were closer to me
Than a cousin should be;
In my mind, you were my son.
Know you have my love and
Now you have my knowledge.
Sandy, take the ship and run!

Sandy, are you listening?
Sandy, do you read me?
It's the best that I can do.
Boy, you're on your own now.
Hold me in your memory.
Use these tapes to see you through.