Because you’re black on my pallet, bitter to the taste
Tears on my pillow, my arms around your waist
There was a time that I loved you, and wrapped you in lace
Now it’s black on my pallet, and bitter to the taste

Is there a sentence towards the helpless, is there a cry to catch ones breath
Is there a judge in this courthouse, who would sentence me to death
I am an outcast to your family, I’m a leopard in your home
Even the cat fucking hates me, and to church I wouldn’t go

I’m black on your pallet, I’m bitter to the taste
Tears on my pillow, my arms around your waist
There was a time that I loved you, and you wrapped me in lace
Now it’s black on my pallet, and bitter to the taste

There I stand as you had long said, the dying child in my arms and a bottle of rye in my hand
Whispering words of freedom, I’m singing words of freedom, screaming words of freedom

Oh, I’m black on your pallet, I’m bitter to the taste
Tears on my pillow, my arm around your waist
There was a time that I loved you, and you wrapped me in lace
Now it’s black on my pallet, and bitter to the taste