Lyric discussion by toxid 

Cover art for River of Sorrow lyrics by Antony and the Johnsons

I wonder if it should be "precious lyre" and not "precious liar". If the song is referencing Greek mythology (personally, I thought of the river styx), then lyre makes sense, especially considering Orpheus.

I also have to add that this song is gorgeous. After the first time I heard it, I couldn't stop listening to it.