The lyrics to Patti Smith's best songs, from 1970 to today, in an edition that includes previously unpublished handwritten documents and commemorates the 40th anniversary of her most iconic album, Horses.

We all have a song.

They arrive suddenly, expressing joy or loneliness, and serve to dispel fear or celebrate a small triumph. We hardly realize we're composing them as we sing them, often alone, almost to ourselves.

Finding the song within us is what drives us to sing. It may be a song of praise, a spark of rebellion, or a teenage prayer. We discover inspiration wherever we can... In an old guitar tucked away in a corner or garage, under the bed, or hanging from a pawnshop window. In a phrase carried by the wind as we walk or in the reflection of our face in a mirror.

These tiny songs, made of poetry, improvised performance, and collaboration, gave rise to these lyrics, written with the hope of resonating deeply, reaching someone who will discover their meaning within and sing them with us.