The Drowning

Words by Catherynne M. Valente

Music by S. J. Tucker

   Am        Dm         Am

1. Carry me down to the water, Oh,

Am       Dm           E
Carry me down to the sea

 Am        Dm          Am
Dowse my skirts in the water, Oh,

    Am           E       Am
And cut the red sun from me.

2. Wrap me in flaxen and wool, Oh
Wrap me up in white
Take me down to the water, Oh,
When the day has bled to night.

3. Give me my sickle and broom, Oh,
And tie my hands to the stake,
Sally me down to the river, Oh,
And take what you’re eager to take,

I say take what you’re eager to take now

 

(Double bridge):

      Am                                G  Am
     Burn me and beat me and hold back my arms

     Am                       Dm       E
     Still the sun hides its face from me

          Am      /G        /F     E
     And when the summer is gone, Oh,
                Am          E         Am

     I’ll come flying back out of the sea.

     Drown me down in the cold tide, Oh,
     Hold back my hair from the waves,
     And when I breathe my last, Oh, 
     Bless my bones in their greenwater grave.
     Bless my bones in their greenwater grave

(Repeat first verse 2x)

Tag:

I say cut the red sun from me. Children!

Cut the red sun… from… me.