Poison In The Well

10,000 Maniacs · Trilogy [2005]

Tell me what's gone wrong?

I tilt my head there, under the faucet when I turn it on

Dry as paper, call the neighbors

Who's to blame for what's going on?

In the dark without a clue I'm just the same as you



Oh, they tell us there's poison here in the well

That someone's been a bit untidy and there's been a small spill

Not a lot, no, just a drop, there you are mistaken you know you are

I wonder just how long they knew our well was poisoned

But they let us just drink on



Oh, they tell us there's here poison in the well

That someone's been a bit untidy that there's been a small spill

And all that it amounts to is a tear in a salted sea

That someone's been a bit untidy they'll have it cleaned up in a week



But the week is over and now it's grown into years

Since, I was told that I should be calm, there's nothing to fear here

But, I drank that water for years, my wife and my children

So, tell me, where to now

If your fight for a bearable life can be fought and lost in your backyard?



Oh, don't tell us there's poison here in the well

That someone's been a bit untidy, that there's been a small spill

All that it amounts to is a tear in a salted sea

That someone's been a bit untidy, they'll have it cleaned up in a week

Poison In The Well

Released on the Trilogy album in 2005, 'Poison In The Well' stands as a poignant addition to 10,000 Maniacs' expansive discography. The track exemplifies the group's signature blend of folk-rock and atmospheric soundscapes, characterized by intricate guitar work and emotive vocal harmonies. While the band is renowned for its 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, this recording reflects their continued evolution in the mid-2000s, maintaining a focus on introspective storytelling and melodic complexity. The song contributes to the album's cohesive narrative, offering a moment of quiet reflection that aligns with the band's broader exploration of human emotion through music.