Helping Hands - Butcher Boy

We dress our children in blue and grey

On Sundays, birthdays, and holidays

And even though we’re not ashamed

The day that we stopped, I was glad

In eager light, I can see a face

You’re shining knives by our fireplace

And even though I’m not afraid

The day that you stop, I’ll be glad

I’ll rest my head on my arms on your back

Even though I know that you are not alone

Even though I’m lost by fields and fire doubts (?)

Ashes land upon my helping hands

My neck and my chest and my thighs

I surrender and swallow and die

I’ll move our bed when you move away

There’s mud and blood on our pillowcase

And even though I’m not ashamed

The day that we stopped, I was glad

You ride to me on the motorway

Your words still set my heart ablaze

But even though I’m not afraid

The day that you stop, I’ll be glad

I’ll rest my head on my arms on your back

Even though I know that you are not alone

Even though I’m lost by fields and fire doubts (?)

Swallows land upon my helping hands

My neck and my chest and my thighs

I surrender and follow and die

Your hands surround me on sunny days

In every house and in any state

And even though I’m not awake

The day that we stop, I’ll be glad

Your arms still lift me on blowy days

By railings, band-stands, and weather vanes

And even though I’m not awake

The day that you stop, I’ll be glad

I’ll rest my head on my arms on your back

Keep falling, I keep falling

From loneliness and grace into the dimmer, bitter morning

I keep crawling, keep crawling

From plank side (?) to ???

From castle park to pallid shores

Why fall asleep when we are all so pleased to see you?

Standing in the doorway with the landing lights around you

Of yellow grass and dirty pebble-dash

On each and on any wall

In chapels, churches, orange halls

You’ve been away, but you were cruel

And, God, we missed you

So, wrap your hands around this cup

And let the water warm you

With buttons right and faces untied

With your belt and your bite

Give your love and give me light