Opening Farewell

Alison Krauss (And Union Station) · Paper Airplane [2011]

My love stands before the open window

Staring so far away

He can almost feel the southern wind blow

Almost touching my restless days



He turns from the window to me

Sad smile his apology

Sad eyes reaching for the door



Daylight loses to another evening

And still he spares me the word goodbye

He sits alone beside me fighting his feelings

He struggles to speak but in the end I only cry



Suddenly it's so hard to find

The words that would help me speak my troubled mind

He's offering these to me as if to be kind:

There is a train everyday leaving either way

There is a train everyday leaving either way

There is a world, you know

And there is a way to go

And we'll soon be gone, it's just as well

This is my opening farewell



A child's drawing is on the table

A woman's silk lying on the floor

And he would keep me here if I were able

And lock us safe behind this open door



But suddenly it's so clear to me

I've asked him to see what he may never see

Now his kind words find their way back to me

There is a train everyday leaving either way

There is a world, you know

And there is a way to go

And we'll soon be gone, it's just as well

This is my opening farewell

Opening Farewell

Opening Farewell serves as the introductory track on Alison Krauss and Union Station's 2011 album, Paper Airplane. The recording captures the ensemble's signature blend of bluegrass and country, showcasing Krauss's distinctive vocal clarity and the band's tight instrumental interplay. As the opening statement of the project, the song sets a contemplative tone that reflects the group's evolution during this period. Krauss, a defining figure in contemporary American roots music, continues to explore themes of departure and reflection through this work. The track exemplifies the high production values and emotional depth characteristic of her discography, inviting listeners into a soundscape that balances traditional instrumentation with modern sensibilities. This piece stands as a testament to the enduring artistry of Krauss and her long-standing collaborators.