The Butcher

I came upon a butcher,

He was slaughtering a lamb,

I accused him there

With his tortured lamb.

He said, "Listen to me, child,

I am what I am and you,

You are my only son."



Well, I found a silver needle,

I put it into my arm.

It did some good,

Did some harm.

But the nights were cold

And it almost kept me warm,

How come the night is long?



I saw some flowers growing up

Where that lamb fell down;

Was I supposed to praise my Lord,

Make some kind of joyful sound?

He said, "Listen, listen to me now,

I go round and round

And you, you are my only child."



Do not leave me now,

Do not leave me now,

I'm broken down

From a recent fall.

Blood upon my body

And ice upon my soul,

Lead on, my son,

It is your world.