[Verse 1] I rise from the gut of the mountain Dust in my hair Stone on my skin My cloak smells of coal smoke and silver My crown’s just a lantern pinned I have traded the dark for your daylight I have saddled a storm out of sleep On the back of old Luster My second-born thunder We carve through the ash and the sleet [Chorus] I am the Queen of Emerald Riches I bring green fire in my hands I will break down bread from gemstones Turn cold glass back into land Lay your wounded in my shadow Let my lap be softer ground For a handful of your hunger I will hold you while you drown [Verse 2] My sword sings with teeth made of crystal Each jewel is a promise I swore One for each year that you suffered Downwind of somebody’s war I have flown over cities in cinders I have bargained in alleys at dawn Traded rubies for water A diamond for wheat Then was gone before anyone yawned [Chorus] I am the Queen of Emerald Riches I bring green fire in my hands I will break down bread from gemstones Turn cold glass back into land Lay your wounded in my shadow Let my lap be softer ground For a handful of your hunger I will hold you while you drown [Bridge] Monster teeth Human teeth All the same when they’re clenched in grief Child or beast Prince or thief All I see is a need for relief So I empty my veins of their shimmer Let the caverns go hungry for light If it buys you one blanket One barrel of flour I will sleep in the long Hollow night [Chorus] I am the Queen of Emerald Riches I bring green fire in my hands I will break down bread from gemstones Turn cold glass back into land Lay your wounded in my shadow Let my lap be softer ground For a handful of your hunger I will hold you while you drown
