[Verse 1] I was hired at first light By a queen in a crown of bone She said, “Bring me her heart” And leave the forest alone I knew that girl like a prayer With an apple-red name in the air But I took that knife from my belt And I walked her out there [Pre-Chorus] The pines all leaned in close Like they knew what I’d do My hands shook in the cold When she turned around and looked at me too [Chorus] I let her go I let her go Through the black of the woods I let her go I let her go And I carried my guilt home slow [Verse 2] Back in that castle room The queen smiled like a grave I brought her a fox’s heart And lied like a man who’s brave Her mirror kept its secrets Her voice cut the candle flame But every night I hear her footsteps And I answer to my shame [Pre-Chorus] The moon hangs like a witness Over every crooked tree I traded a girl’s life For the devil to look at me [Chorus] I let her go I let her go Through the black of the woods I let her go I let her go And I carried my guilt home slow [Bridge] Now I drink by the river Where the cold runs deep and wide I see her in the white deer When the fog rolls up the side If mercy is a sin Then I’m guilty as can be But I’d rather live haunted Than wear that queen’s decree [Final Chorus] I let her go I let her go Through the black of the woods I let her go I let her go And I carried my guilt home slow I let her go I let her go May that girl live on and grow
