This House - Janis Ian

I built this house out of cedar wood

And I laid the beams by hand

One for every false heart I had known

One for the true heart I planned

Laid the windows tight against the wind

So in the winter we’d be warm

I built a bedroom out of solid oak

Safety from the storm

This house is burning

This house is on fire

When you whisper to the walls

It’s another’s name you call

Even your tongue’s become a liar

This house is on fire

Stole the heart of a cherry wood

And I built a door to last

It was thick enough to keep all thieves away

When the long nights came to pass

Then one day there was a hint of spring

And there were roses in the air

We opened wide enough to let you in

I was glad to share

This house is burning

This house is on fire

When you whisper to the walls

It’s another’s name you call

Even your satin sheets are liars

This house is on fire

I said — I’ve built a good foundation

Built on faith and hope

But the fireplace is strong

Put it out when you are gone

Or the whole damned thing will go up in smoke

This house is burning

This house is on fire

When you whisper to the walls

It’s another’s name you call

Even your body is a liar

This house is on fire