I met the queen of Iowa

She was dying on a couch in the suburbs

And with all of the things she was dying of

She was more alive than the others



She was pretty as a flower in a crystal vase

It lights up the room as it withers away

And she opened her eyes

When she heard the music play



We sang a hymn to the rhythm of the river that flows

Down from the mountain of the Holy Ghost

And into the souls

Of those who know His name

Like the Queen of Iowa

She was the Queen of Iowa



Her majesty was all ablaze

She was burning hot but not consumed

Our shoes removed in that holy place

In the hallowed ground of the living room



I bowed down low and I kissed her hand

And we raised a toast to the Promised Land

And I saw the tears of joy

Run down her face



We sang a hymn to the rhythm of the river that flows

Down from the mountain of the Holy Ghost

And into the souls

Of those who know His name

Like the Queen of Iowa

(Peace like a river in a valley of bones

It fills the valley up and it carries them home)

She was the Queen of Iowa

(Bridge)

I could see my illusions scatter

Every time she drew a breath

I could see the heart of the matter:

The heart is a matter of life and death

I'll never be the same



We sang about oceans of love again

As she stared past the ceiling and the sky above

Two court musicians, it was me and Ben

We were singing for the Queen of Iowa



We sang a hymn to the rhythm of the river that flows

Down from the mountain of the Holy Ghost

And into the souls

Of those who know His name

There was peace like a river in a valley of bones

It fills the valley up and it carries them home

To come alive again

In the river of Grace

Like the Queen of Iowa

(Peace like a river in a valley of bones

It fills the valley up and it carries them home)

She was the Queen of Iowa

Long live the Queen of Iowa