Elegy Lyrics

Had I my father the persuasive voice of Orpheus

And his skill to charm the rocks that follow me

And to soothe whomever I please with winning words

I would make a trial of it

For I have nothing to show, save tears

My only eloquence

And those I can show

On your knees

I hang a supplicant wreath, this body that she bore to thee

Do not kill me in youth's fresh something

Bright is the light of heaven

Do not compel me what is below to view

I was the first to call thee father

But thou forget, and thou shalt kill thee child

If I had the persuasive voice of Orpheus

And his skill to charm the rocks that follow me

And to soothe whoever I please with winning words

I would make a trial of it

But I have nothing to show, save tears

My only eloquence

And those I can show

On your knees

I hang a begging, praying wreath, this body that she bore whole

Do not kill me in youth's fresh something

The light of heaven is bright

Don't make me see what's below

I was the first to call you father

But you forgot and you will kill your child

If I could sing at the sun and call it here to me

And to make peace when I speak

I would win against this game that carries me

But every song I write is an elegy

Death-defying, begging, pleading apology

To a body once carried differently

Young and embarrassing, scratching and clawing

Please don't remember me