Sugartown has turned so sour
Its people angry in their sleep
There's more small-town paranoia
Sweeping down its evil sheets

You better give me the chance
I'll cut you down with a glance
Yeh, with my small axe - so help me
And tho' I'm only one
And tho' weak I'm strong
And if it comes to the crunch
Then I'm the woodcutter's son

And I'm cutting down the wood for the good of everyone!

You can tell it's witching hour
You can feel the spirits rise
When the room goes very quiet
And there's hatred in your eyes

You better give me the chance
I'll cut you down with a glance
Yeh, with my small axe - so help me
And tho' I'm only one
And tho' weak I'm strong
And if it comes to the crunch
Then I'm the woodcutter's son

And I'm cutting down the wood for the good of everyone!

There's a silence when I enter
And a murmur when I leave
I can see their jealous faces
I can feel the ice they breathe

You better give me the chance
I'll cut you down with a glance
Yeh, with my small axe - so help me
And tho' I'm only one
And tho' weak I'm strong
And if it comes to the crunch
Then I'm the woodcutter's son


Lyrics submitted by SmithersJones87

Woodcutter's Son Lyrics as written by Paul John Weller

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Woodcutter's Son song meanings
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    General Comment

    Similar to Bob Marley's 'Small Axe' - Weller has that on his album Under the Influence.

    bwanajonion October 08, 2009   Link

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