Don't alter my altar
don't desecrate my shrine
My church is the water
and my home is underneath the shady pines
Don't underestimate the spine in a poor man's back
when it's against the wall and his future's black

One man's story is another man's shame
I ain't bound for glory, I'm bound for flames
Take to the woods boy, and cover up your tracks
Go away child and don't look back

Sad is the lullaby from a mother's heart and soul
when she knows her child has strayed from the foal
The parish will perish
by death's cruel hand
and finish the job that fate began
All that static in the attic,
that's just an old drunk ghost
His chains are rattlin' but his end is close
Ain't no hell below and ain't no heaven above
I came for the drinks but I stayed for the love


Lyrics submitted by Sinai

One Man's Shame song meanings
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    General Comment

    Damn! I can't believe i'm the first guy to comment on this tune. Saw William Elliot Whitmore open up for Clutch at the Roxy several years ago. He kept a packed house of drunken rockers electrified with just his foot, a banjo and his voice. Amazing performer - you could have heard a pin drop.

    This is definitely my favorite WEW song though - well, so far. Don't know that there's a whole lot riding under here. To me it sounds like the warnings from a dangerous man. Could be speaking to the boy who's strayed from the fold (i think thats what "foal" should be.) Perhaps he's wronged this man in his straying and the man is telling him to get lost before he gets dead, Head to the woods, just don't fuck with the water or the trees and we'll be cool.

    StickityWicketon February 05, 2009   Link

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