Bruise

Cut the heartstrings

Broke the wings off that red-headed songbird

Broke the knife at the hilt

Beat the chest ‘til every rib was bleeding

And all the ghosts were singing

You lost your joy

And all the little men inside your head were screaming

You passed the buck

And all the women came to feast upon your silence

Swallowed the lightning

Let them follow you

Breathed out the fire

Your love is like a bruise

Your hands were shaking

And all your words turn to ice

The bitter bitterness of life

Little stones beneath your feet

You carried them this far

To lay them all the alter

Swallowed the lightning

Let them follow you

Breathed out the fire

Your love is like a bruise

And all the ghosts were singing