Wanderers this morning came by
Where did they go
Graceful in the morning light
To banner fair
To follow you softly
In the cold mountain air

Through the forest
Down to your grave
Where the birds wait
And the tall grasses wave
They do not
Know you anymore

More, more, more

Dear shadow alive and well
How can the body die
You tell me everything
Anything true

In the town one morning I went
Staggering through premonitions of my death
I don't see anybody that dear to me

Dear shadow alive and well
How can the body die
You tell me everything
Anything true

Jesse
I don't know what I have done
I'm turning myself to a demon
I don't know what I have done
I'm turning myself to a demon


Lyrics submitted by wonderfulmetropolis

Tiger Mountain Peasant Song Lyrics as written by Robin Pecknold

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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Tiger Mountain Peasant Song song meanings
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  • +4
    General Comment

    This song is about murder. The protagonist observes a search party making their way along the mountain ridge and back into town in the early morning hours, seeking the dearly departed. They do not find the body, but the killer/protagonist regrets his terrible act, and considers the victim's relationship to the landscape and culture of the region. Jesse is a particularly ambiguous and asexual name; it can refer either to a friend or lover. The killer is haunted by the spirit of the victim, and finds it increasingly difficult to ignore what they have done. They have taken the life of a kindred spirit and mentor, and are lost without their guidance.

    clemohon November 14, 2008   Link

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