[verse 1] Keep it cold before you start Steel clean, edge bright Don’t press harder than you have to Let the blade decide Take the skin that comes away Leave the rest alone Some things hold themselves together Better near the bone [pre-chorus] And if your eyes begin to burn Don’t call it anything Just turn your face towards the window Let the moving air come in [chorus] Leave the root Leave the root until the end Cut it clean Don’t go digging where it bends Layer by layer Thin as you can bear Leave the root There’s still something holding there [verse 2] There are ways to make it easier Cold water, slower hands A little distance from the centre A little less demand Keep your fingers tucked beneath you Watch the blade come down Every circle has a middle You don’t need to reach it now [pre-chorus] If the room begins to swim Find a colder place There are things that lose their power When you give them time and space [chorus] Leave the root Leave the root until the end Cut it clean Don’t go digging where it bends Layer by layer Thin as you can bear Leave the root There’s still something holding there [bridge] You can rinse the board You can wash your hands You can open every window Still not understand Why the smallest cut Finds the oldest nerve Why some things release themselves The moment they’re disturbed [chorus] Leave the root Leave the root until the end Keep the edge Let the blade become your friend Layer by layer Take only what you need Leave the root Until there’s nothing left to keep [outro] Cold hands Clear eyes One more layer One more slice Leave the root Leave it Till the end [end]
