I think these are low-key some of the darkest lyrics I ever wrote. I was particularly pleased with "The blackest of hearts shall have their reward as all who are loved face death all alone."
I wrote the song with a friend of mine called Leroy. I think he was hoping for a much sweeter set of lyrics! I always wanted to do more with it but there never seemed to be the time between us and I haven't seen the dude in a dog's age, now. Hope he's good.
Anyway, when I finally decided to get off my arse and learn to play guitar, this was one of the first songs I returned to. I figured out the chords and then the strumming style (with the help of my then-teacher, Richard Moss). And then I added the second verse and final chorus in. The original had a beautiful piano break in there but, yeah: I'm not that good a musician.
This version was recorded with my friend Daniel Hester -- check out his amazing music! -- at Luddstock. Daniel also did all the technical wizadry like camera-work, sound, mixing and... Everything. I'll happily take credit, though...
Well I know that time is my friend
For all sorrows end
And all muses fade, diminish with age,
And pass to the grave,
The blackest of hearts shall have their reward,
As all who are loved face death all alone.
Just like us all.
I'll watch as you age, I'll cherish each day.
Your beauty will fade, whilst I'll remain plain.
Well I've watched, contorted by pain
Whilst always you deign
To bestow your gifts upon lesser men,
Again and again.
But whilst the knife twists
And I'll ball my fists
And rend at my hair,
I'll still not despair.
Because hope is still there.
I'll watch as you age, I'll cherish each day.
Your beauty will fade, whilst I'll just remain.
The arrogant maid shall become a crone,
The swell of your breast shall droop on the bone,
Your yellowing eyes, their lustre all gone,
One day you'll be old, unloved and alone.
Just like us all.