Scarlet Tide
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
Must I accept his fate
Or take myself far from this place?
I thought I heard a black bell toll
A little bird did sing
Man has no choice when he wants everything
[Chorus]
We'll rise above the scarlet tide
They trickles down through the mountain
And separates the widow from the bride
Man goes beyond his own decision
Gets caught up in a mechanism
Of swindlers who act like kings
And jokers who break everything
The dark of night was swiftly fading
Close to the dawn of day
Why would I want him just to lose him again
[Chorus]
Scarlet Tide
Joan Baez's "Scarlet Tide" stands as a defining example of her mid-career folk repertoire, blending acoustic storytelling with social consciousness. Recorded during a period when Baez was navigating the complexities of her personal life while maintaining her status as a leading voice in the American folk revival, the track reflects her signature ability to weave intimate emotion with broader cultural commentary. The song's melodic structure and lyrical depth showcase her mastery of the guitar and voice, characteristic of her work from the 1970s onward. As part of her extensive discography, "Scarlet Tide" exemplifies the genre's focus on human experience and resilience, continuing a tradition of using music to explore the nuances of love, loss, and hope without resorting to didactic messaging.