The Catcher

In a field of gold, where the rye grows tall I stand on the edge, ready to catch them all Little children playing, innocent and free Laughing in the sunshine, wild as can be But a whisper calls, a dangerous sound A cliff edge looms, where they could fall down I'm the catcher in the rye, that's what I'll be Protecting them from falling, setting their spirits free Oh, I'm the catcher in the rye, yeah, I'll save them all Hear my desperate plea, before they fall Standing on the precipice, my heart it beats so fast A promise whispered on the wind, a love that's built to last My sister Phoebe, with eyes so bright and clear Says, "Holden, that's not the song, the meaning's not so dear." A poem misunderstood, a fantasy I've spun But the desire to protect, has only just begun A misheard lyric, a dream I can't erase A longing for a purpose, in this lonely, hurried pace I see their faces, innocent and pure And I can't let them stumble, of that I am sure Oh, I'm the catcher in the rye, yeah, I'll save them all Hear my desperate plea, before they fall Standing on the precipice, my heart it beats so fast A promise whispered on the wind, a love that's built to last Perhaps the falling, is part of growing up A lesson learned in falling, filling life's own cup But still I watch, with yearning in my soul To shield them from the edges, to make them feel whole Catcher in the rye, a boy's naive desire To keep them safe forever, to quench the burning fire But the field keeps stretching, the cliff still looms so near And I'm just standing, wishing they could conquer every fear.