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

