1 Samuel / Outlaw

I took my place down by the churchyard
Singing heavy iron bells
Wondered on my old dear mother's health
I lit myself up there a torch fire
Til' the starlit sky did pale
Suffered by my slanderous brother
I pulled the slingshot from my pack
'Fore I's a dog in the king's court
Held his head in my hand, lover

Yes I was a shepherd's son
Yes I was the last born
Yes I danced the dark moon
Spoiled my hands with reckless blood
But I was not yet an outlaw

I met yourself down by the river
By the olive groves and graves
Desert ghost gift dripped with honey
I took myself up to the altar
Where the covenant was made
Crossed my heart with love's athame
I plucked the strings o'er by the window
To assuage your father's rage
And took as my wife your own sister
I anchored in the ancient mores
And climbed the high hill country North
Transgressed his dear body's borders
I kissed the holy ground beneath
And sowed the bitter second seed
Bound there 'neath the anointed waters

Yes I ran with violent men that I would seldom trust
Yes I found myself beloved
Yes I danced to the black sun and filled my cup with salt
I became an outlaw honey

I walked a while beyond the watchtower
30 miles as the crow flies
Buried there your bow and letters
I ate the crumbs though consecrated
For your love and my lament
And said my final goodbye, betters
I rode upon a horse in velvets
Slept in beds of rotten hay
Left you there the vultures gathered
I saw his hands move as the villagers
Came out to chant my name
Through the razor caves I staggered

Yes I was an outlaw honey scarlet dynasty
Yes I chose a hard road running
The naked son of one hung by a withering terebinth tree
Yes I was an outlaw