My bell tower's ringing but it isn't you singing
we don't know that song anymore
and winter bones breaking if it ain't shook it's shaking
this tangle of fate outside my door

Oh threadbare in peril this cold christmas carol
we jump from the bridge in our mind
it's one for the money, at two you go hungry
my blue shoes are draggin the line

Leave a lantern, on the trail
I'm not asking for much just your meadowsweet touch
If by morning you're ready to sail
don't wait for so long cause you know that I'm gone

You can lock up your treasure and take drastic measures
we march toward the grave all the same
it's a short life of trouble your church turns to rubble
and beauty has never had a name

well my head's in your branches, I squandered my chances
I've given the last I can give
this empire's falling the pace is appalling
how can a poor man stand such time and live

So leave a lantern on the trail
I'm not asking for much just your meadowsweet touch
If by morning you're ready to sail
don't wait for so long cause you know that I'm gone