[Sparse Intro] . . . . . . . . . . . [Verse 1] They sent me far away Until the talk died down I came back like a stranger As from a long visit [Verse 2] My heart a fortress Captured, sacked, and left The charm of life has ended The desire has failed [Chorus] I am the tender tree The pride and beauty of the grove Graceful in form Bright in leaf But the worm preys at my heart And I am withering [Instrumental Break] . . . . . . [Verse 3] My rest is broken now Sleep poisoned by dreams Dry sorrow drinks my blood Until my body sinks [Verse 4] They'll say it was a chill Some casual disease But no one knows the malady That made me easy prey [Chorus] I am the tender tree The pride and beauty of the grove Graceful in form Bright in leaf But the worm preys at my heart And I am withering [Bridge] Robbed of what only death restores Shedding leaf by leaf I fall in the stillness of the forest And no one knows the cause [Final Verse - whispered/fading] A departed spirit Cries out for vengeance From the silence of the grave From the silence... [Mournful Outro] . . . . . . . . . . . . [Fade to End]
