Em
[Verse 1]
Em C/G Em
I stepped into an avalanche,
D/F# Em
it covered up my soul;
C/G
When I am not this hunchback that you see,
Em D/F# Em
I sleep beneath a golden hill.
G B7
You who wish to conquer pain,
Em C/G B7/F#
you must learn, learn to serve me well.
[Verse 2]
Em C/G Em
You strike my side by accident
D/F# Em
As you go down for your gold.
C/G
The cripple here that you clothe and feed
Em D/F# Em
Is neither starved nor cold;
G B7
He does not ask for your company,
Em C/G B7/F#
Not at the centre, the centre of the world.
[Verse 3]
Em C/G Em
When I am on a pedestal,
D/F# Em
You did not raise me there.
C/G
Your laws do not compel me
Em D/F# Em
To kneel grotesque and bare.
G B7
I myself am the pedestal
Em C/G B7/F#
For this ugly hump at which you stare.
[Verse 4]
Em C/G Em
You who wish to conquer pain,
D/F# Em
You must learn what makes me kind;
C/G
The crumbs of love that you offer me,
Em D/F# Em
They’re the crumbs I’ve left behind.
G B7
Your pain is no credential here,
Em C/G B7/F#
It’s just the shadow, shadow of my wound.
[Verse 5]
Em C/G Em
I have begun to long for you,
D/F# Em
I who have no greed;
C/G
I have begun to ask for you,
Em D/F# Em
I who have no need.
G B7
You say you’ve gone away from me,
Em C/G B7/F#
But I can feel you when you breathe.
[Verse 6]
Em C/G Em
Do not dress in those rags for me,
D/F# Em
I know you are not poor;
C/G
And don’t love me quite so fiercely now
Em D/F# Em
When you know that you are not sure,
G B7
It is your turn, beloved,
Em C/G B7/F#
And it is your flesh that I wear.
