The Lamb

You came up from anesthesia
Like a diver out of air
Surprised to be alive
Startled I was there

It's been a long time
And I've got no axe to grind with you
But goddamn it, man, this hatchet
Won't stay buried without some sign from you
Sign from you

I don't quite come in peace
But times like these ask us
To set aside old grudges
Duty calls, I heed
But I don't love it

The night nurse leaves
Just you and me
And you give me a look
To freeze gasoline
I don't believe that you're reformed
Or you're redeemed

If they ask me, I'll deny it
But I remember what you did
While it's true you were a young man and
I was just a kid
One of us was lying,
Both of us half-damned
One of us the lion
And one the lamb

You've got a way with words
You got away with murder
But now our roles reverse
And your table's turning now

Too weak to lift a spoon, I fed you
Shaved you when your hands were shaking
Dosed you like they told me, never more
Lord, the demands you're making
Help the monster on two feet
Walk him down the hall, repeat
And when he's strong enough to stand alone
You'll notice what big teeth
But blood is blood
And what's done is done
Yeah, blood is blood
And its burden is a beast

You lie expressionless
Face set like the Old Testament
Silence always your best defense
I bet you guess I came to settle debts

They tell me you'll get better
I don't know what to say
'cause they could sew your hands together
But they can't make you pray

If they ask me, I'll deny it
But I remember what you did
While it's true you were a young man, then
I was just a kid
One of us was lying,
Both of us half-damned
One of us the lion
And one the lamb

But now you're careful, now you're good
But do I scare you like I should?
Now you're careful, now you're good
But I still scare you and I should

You've got a way with words
You got away with murder
But now our roles reverse
And your table's turning now