Follow me southward
and sing that pirate’s song
the love of a woman
will surely steer you wrong
Siren sounds ring sweet
but sweetly false
ghost in gown go wandr'ing down
long and winding halls
You’ll find her in the morning
a different sort of thing
the ruby mask has fallen
another broken wing
Rescue her again each day
and each night she’ll pay you well
this, the path of the weakened man
the path that leads to hell
But why not enjoy her?
fruit of the apple tree
brought here before you
just to waken thee
Serpent, fruit, and woman
god and christ and ghost
abstractions of the highest sort
of which we need the most
Ploughshare and farmer
they labor so in vain
to pay the debt of fathers
that cannot be repaid
Sin is real and sinner’s guilt
Brick-mortar, bones, and blood
this is how the tower’s built
Man from dust made into mud
Redemption! Redemption!
the low and lonely cry
"remove the plank and pay your debt!"
the pious priests reply
Resentment! Resentment!
Always best quelled with fear
send pablum and pittance
or a hero to revere
the will of strength and health
the mighty tame the meek
justice given to them
'stead the vengeance their hearts seek
Quiet now and for a while
we’ve got the "Good" to do
Here: your chains and buckles
each to other, one and two
