I know you; I met you
A long, long time ago
But you're still a stranger
There's so much I don't know
Can I walk across your borders?
Will your guardsmen let me through?
I have empty hands and pockets
I intend no harm to you
So tell me your stories
And I might tell you mine;
We're both getting closer
To once upon a time
Can I wander through your country
Learn its secret history?
I have never walked these marches
But it feels like home to me
We're each of us a nation on our own
And I am a cartographer at heart
I will chart the valley of your dreams, call the secrets from your stones
If you don't want me to love you, then please don't let me start
So trust me; believe me
When I say I'll take care
I can't come the whole way;
I'll meet you halfway there
Come and wander through my cities
Meet the people I have been
I have left my gates unguarded
You are welcome, please, come in
We're each of us a nation on our own
And I am a cartographer at heart
I will chart the valley of your dreams, call the secrets from your stones
If you don't want me to love you, then please don't let me start
I would love to learn your customs
To be a tourist in your lands
I would love to learn your language
And teach you mine, so we'll both understand
What we're trying to say...
I know it's not easy
To leave your doors unbarred
It's never been easy --
It shouldn't be this hard
We are each of us an island
With our separate rocky shores
But an island's not a prison --
That's what men make bridges for
We're each of us a nation on our own
And I am a cartographer at heart
I will chart the valley of your dreams, call the secrets from your stones
If you don't want me to love you, then please don't let me start
If you don't want me to love you, won't you tell me not to start?