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John Bartus: Music

LIVE-The Islands of Marathon

(John Bartus)
June 7, 2004
John Bartus
The official song of the City of Marathon, Heart of the Florida Keys.
The Islands of Marathon
Words & Music by John Bartus

So long ago – they came to stay
As the railroad pushed on through
They found an island down in the Keys
Covered in skies so blue
They built a town – and the trains rolled through
'Til the storm of '35
The railroad gave way to the automobile
As Marathon came alive

Chorus 1: Days on the ocean, walks on the beach
Sunsets on the bay
The moon casts a silver light on the water
Takes all my cares away
Palm trees swaying in the breeze
On this island I call home
It's the tropical life in the heart of the Keys
The Islands of Marathon

So long ago – or so it seems
I left the mainland behind
Like so many before me, I heard the call
Came to find my peace of mind
Paradise – on a sun-drenched isle
Worlds of wonder beneath the sea
But it's the people who care that make our town
The Heart of the Florida Keys

Chorus 2: Days on the ocean, walks on the beach
Sunsets on the bay
The moon casts a silver light on the water
Takes all my cares away
Palm trees swaying in the breeze
On this island I call home
It's the tropical life in the Florida Keys –
The Islands of Marathon

Bridge: Head out on the ocean
Like the fishermen do every day
Feel the gentle motion
Celebrate another day

Chorus 3: Days on the ocean, walks on the beach
Sunsets on the bay
The moon casts a silver light on the water
Takes all my cares away
Palm trees swaying in the breeze
On this island I call home
From the Seven Mile Bridge to Grassy Key –
The Islands of Marathon

© 2001 by John Bartus