Well they call me William the Pleaser
I sold opium, fireworks and lead
Now I'm telling my troubles to strangers
When the shadows get long I be dead

Now her hair was as black as a bucket of tar
Her skin as white as a cuttlefish bone
I left Texas to follow Lucinda
Now I'll never see heaven or home

I made a wish on a sliver of moonlight
A sly grin and a bowl full of stars
Like a kid who captures a firefly
And leaves it only to die in the jar

As I kick at the clowns at my hanging
As I swing out over the crowd
I will search every face for Lucinda's
And she will go off with me down to hell

I thought I'd broke loose of Lucinda
Rain returned and so did the wind
I cast this burden on the God that's within me
And I'll leave this old world and go free

The devil dances inside empty pockets
But she didn't want money or pearls
Boy that wasn't enought for Lucinda
She wasn't that kind of girl

Now I've fallen from grace for Lucinda
Whoever thought that Hell'd be so cold?
I did well for an old tin can sailor
But she wanted the bell in my soul

I've spoken to God on the mountain
And I've swam in the irish sea
I ate fire and drank from the Ganges
And I'll beg there for mercy for me

I thought I'd broke loose of Lucinda
Rain returned and so did the wind
I was standing outside the white house
And then I was afraid to go in

I heard someone pull the trigger
Her breasts heaved in the moonlight again
There was a smear of gold in the window
And then I was the jewel of her sin

They call me William the Pleaser
I sold opium, fireworks and lead
Now I'm telling my troubles to strangers
When the shadows get long I be dead

Now her hair was as black as a bucket of tar
Her skin as white as a cuttlefish bone
I left Texas to follow Lucinda
I know I'll never see heaven or home
No I'll never see heaven or home
No I'll never see heaven or home


Lyrics submitted by xdvr, edited by djjd, andatche

Lucinda song meanings
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    General Comment

    he's written some great lyrics in the past (Who are you, Anywhere I lay my head,... ), but there's an incredible amount of very good lyrics in his last album. it may seem impossible, but I think he's getting even better with age (how many great albums in a row?), the guy'll turn 57 in 2 days and is writing the most modern music these days (not like that post punk-new wave crap) any way, this song. my favourite lyrics in the album, together with Road to peace (also in Brawlers) Tom and Steve Wynn play the blues like no one else

    PiKueloon December 05, 2006   Link

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