[Intro — Low strings, didgeridoo, distant impacts] [Spoken Word — Solemn female voice] I gave you the tallest chair. I let you speak at every meal. You wore my voice so well, I thought your orders were my own. [Verse 1 — Dark clean soprano] You said, “Leave every room the same. Let dust lie softly on the keys. If you should laugh, you'll lose their name; If you go out, you'll lose their peace.” I kept a vigil by the door. I made a virtue of the cold. You always asked a little more; I gave you everything to hold. [Pre-Chorus — Rising dissonance] Then someone called me by my name, And you demanded I remain. [Chorus — Defiant operatic soprano] Beneath the hollow throne, I find the years I gave. You taught me how to kneel, Then praised how well I stayed. I hear the door beyond you; I hear the people call. Beneath the hollow throne, There is no heart at all. [Verse 2 — Crushing half-time riffs] You took the shape of loyalty, The sacred duty of the hurt. You turned a single empty chair Into the centre of the earth. I cannot bring the dead to life By keeping all the living out. I speak it once; the rafters shake. I speak again. This time I shout. [Breakdown — Brief female low growls] No more! You have had enough! No more! You don't speak for love! [Abrupt Stop] [Bridge — Spoken, close and steady] I know your name now. Fear. You may follow me outside. You will have to walk behind. [Final Chorus — Soprano above full orchestra] Beneath the hollow throne, I leave the vows I made. The door is standing open; My hand is on the frame. I hear the world beyond you; It asks no oath at all. Beneath the hollow throne, I leave you to the hall. [Outro — One stark harp note]
