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The Branch Is Weak Lyrics

The spirit is willing and the branch is weak
we may live to see another eon

the spirit is willing and the branch is weak
we may live to see another eon

the branch is weak and the tree began to fall

only a fool would ignore this

under the water there are traps, hidden depths

the show-offs are easy
the bank is slippery
that pool is deep
the branch is weak, rotten

under the water there are traps, hidden depths
only a fool would ignore this
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Cover art for The Branch Is Weak lyrics by Shackleton

I believe it's "the sharks are easy". makes more sense with the warnings-about-an-aquatic-body theme. Saying that the sharks are the least of your worries, implying that there are incomprehensible horrors in the water.

The lyrics come from an old BBC Public Service film called Dark and Lonely Water, aimed at keeping kids out of abandoned quarries and water-filled junk pits. Here is the line in question, from the BBC

"The show-offs are easy. But the unwary ones are easier still. This branch is weak, rotten, it'll never take his weight."

Cover art for The Branch Is Weak lyrics by Shackleton

It IS "the show-offs are easy," not sharks.

The samples in the main part of the track come from a public information film warning children against playing near water. The creepy voice belongs to Donald Pleasance, playing the part of a river "demon," sort of a Grim Reaper who lives near the water, and tempts children to their deaths.

"Show-offs" are easier for him to kill than "sensible children," he states later in a part that isn't sampled.

Very creepy film, and makes for a very creepy track.

 
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