Lyric discussion by Cyberghost 

Cover art for Philomena lyrics by Decemberists, The

Correct lyrics :

Oh Philomena, are you in a tawdry gown? Lean to your window, let's slip a ribbon down A cure to your boredom If only you'd let me go down Down, down

Long summer days can lead to lazy vices, Boys all at idle, left to their own devices. Open up your linen lap and let me go down Down down

All that I wanted in the world, Was just to live to see a naked girl, But I found I quickly bore I wanted more I wanted more

So I'll be your candle And I'll be your statuette And I'll be your lashing loop of leatherette Oh Philomena, if only you'd let me go down Down down

All that I wanted in the world, Was just to live to see a naked girl, But I found I quickly bore I wanted more Oh, so much more

So I'll be your candle And I'll be your statuette And I'll be your lashing loop of leatherette Oh Philomena, if only you'd let me go down Down, down

Go down Down, down Go down, down, down Go down

@Cyberghost It's "let slip a ribbon down", I think. And I don't hear an "are" in the first line, or a question -- just "Aw, Philomena, you in a tawdry gown".