Rake (Live, Belfast)

I used to wake and run with the moon

I lived like a rake and a young man

I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds

My laughter the devil would frighten

The sun she would come and beat me back down

But every cruel day had its nightfall

I'd welcome the stars with wine and guitars

Full of fire and forgetful

My body was sharp and the dark hair clean

And I outraged my joyful companion

Whispering women, how sweet did they seem

Kneeling for me to command them

And time was like water but I was the sea

I never noticed it passing

Except for the turning of night into day

And the turning of day into cursing

You look at me now and don't think I don't know

What all of your eyes are a-saying

"Does he want us to believe that these ravings and lies

They're just tricks his brain's been a-playing?

A lover of women he can hardly stand

He trembles, he's bent and he's broken"

I've fallen it's true but I say to you

Hold your tongues until after I've spoken

I was taking my pride in the pleasures I'd known

I laughed, thought that I'd be forgiven

Then my laughter turned round, eyes blazing, and said

"My friend, we are holding the wedding"

I buried my face but it spoke once again

"The night to the day we are a-binding"

Now the dark hair is light, a fire on my skin

And even the moonlight is blinding

Even the moonlight is blinding