1946 postcard of Sheboygan’s lakefront
Moon Over Michigan
Long before I ever saw the Pacific or Atlantic oceans, there was Lake Michigan. The third-largest lake in the world sat just a few blocks away from the house I grew up in; it was my backyard, and it’s been a constant presence in my life. I built forts in its overlooks as a kid, cruised its shoreline as a teenager, fished it from piers and jetties, and swam in its numbing waters at North Beach.
I was incredibly lucky to have my friend Andrea Zonn (the pride of neighboring Illinois) play violin and sing with me on this song.
Ferry lights are fading in the distance
A quiet settles on the lake
Listening for secrets by the shoreline
Underneath the stars of Hika Bay
There’s a moon, tonight, over Michigan
And the light dances on her waves
Look to the east and make a wish again
Wisconsin, I will stay
Why I ever left, I can’t remember
So many years have gone around the bend
Let’s sing a song of new beginnings
It’s so good to see you, my old friend
There’s a moon, tonight, over Michigan
And the light dances on her waves
Look to the east and make a wish again
Wisconsin, I will stay
It’s in the trees up in the Northwoods
It’s in the waters flowing through the Dells
Standing in this spot of moonlight
I’m completely underneath your spell
There’s a moon, tonight, over Michigan
And the light dances on her waves
Look to the east and make a wish again
Wisconsin, I will stay
Wisconsin, I will stay
© 2020 Chris Richards / White Mare Music (BMI)