Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

Fifth track from Deep Purple's second album The Book of Taliesyn (1968).
℗ 2000 Purpletuity Limited under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Ltd.
Lyrics:
Mama plays a queen on the hill built on a dream
While the children play in the field
Papa smokes the pipe of a sweet and better life
But how strong is the shield?
Can peace be found on the carpet above ground
Where sky is forever blue

So let it pass baby now, the slow and riding cloud
Which may take me from you

Many things a man can lose
His self, his rights, his views
But never his heart or his love
So take this hand of mine and climb baby, climb
To the hill up above

Now you can play a queen on the hill built on a dream
While our children play in the field
I can smoke the pipe of a sweet and better life
And trust in the strength of the shield

So trust in you love, and Lucy of above
And let light pass like a wheel
Don't take the chance of life's hectic dance
Kiss the strength of the shield

The seeker will be found by the looker on the ground
And to his wish he will yield

Fate will have it's word, of course [think this line is wrong...]
And time will change its course
And hold the strength of the shield

Engineer: Barry Ainsworth
Unknown: Derek Lawrence
Producer: Derek Lawrence
Drums: Ian Paice
Keyboards: Jon Lord
Hammond Organ: Jon Lord
Background Vocals: Jon Lord
Bass Guitar: Nick Simper
Background Vocals: Nick Simper
Remastering Engineer: Peter Mew
Guitar: Ritchie Blackmore
Lead Vocals: Rod Evans
Writer: Jon Lord
Writer: Ritchie Blackmore
Writer: Rod Evans