10000 Maniacs Pit Viper Lyrics

Pit Viper Lyrics

[ lyrics: Natalie Merchant/music: Steve Gustafson ]

in the cruel garrison of affection 
if worth of lore is true 
you know the face of a temptress 
pit viper 

a witch or enchantress 
pit viper 

with the malign venom of conceit 
she tries 
civil men 
conceal fear 
misgivings 
when night entreats them 
a greater chill sustains 
stains her 
darkness 
shall not inhibit death blow 

know this skin does not restrict her 
tear and shed the coil 
fall of garland leaves 
below the soil