[Intro] The paint is cold upon my skin at break of dawn [Verse] They dress me in white feathers, blue dye on my face Jade beads heavy round my throat, flowers in my hair Priests whisper prayers for the coming rain and grace I breathe the copal smoke and try to hide my fear [Chorus] I am the gift, the blood that brings the rain One heart for Chaac so the dry fields live again Though terror grips my chest like jaguar claws For my people I walk without a pause [Verse 2] They lead me through the crowded streets as noon burns high Faces turn to watch me pass beneath the blazing sky Mothers clutch their babies, eyes wet with silent prayer Old men bow their heads, young boys cheer like it’s a fair I see the hope they carry, the thirst that brought me here Yet none will hold my hand when the final blade appears [Bridge] The pyramid rises steep, each step stained dark with time Drums pound louder than my heart, the sun is past its prime Four strong hands will lift me when we reach the stone above The flint knife waits there gleaming for the one act left of love [Final Verse] Now I lie upon the altar, sky so wide and blue I think of every morning I will never live to see The priest raises high the blade, the crowd falls hushed and still Cut my heart for the clouds, let the thunder break its will In my final breath I pray the drought will finally end Forgive me, mother… let the waters come again [Outro] (Instrumental)
