[Verse 1] Watching through the windowpane, they say I’ve lost my mind Voices stack like crooked clocks, all striking out of time I took your queen, checkmate—I left a piece behind A little thought to sour slow and gnaw away your mind You look a little flustered now; I’m waiting by the door A call cuts through the dark tonight—you’ve heard that ring before Pick up, no need to panic, I’m just passing through A wolf beneath the porch light with a message just for you [Pre-Chorus] Lock the doors, draw every curtain, keep your candles near That familiar time is back again—the season built on fear Not a monster in the hedges, not a ghost that disappears Just a human with a promise, and I’m coming, so beware [Chorus] It’s that time of year, lock your doors in fear I’m no beast beneath the hedge—I’m already here Hallows Eve, you thought you’d get reprieve I play tricks for your treat; now don’t you leave The call is coming from inside Hear that ring? Go run and hide It’s all a game to me Feels better when you flee [Verse 2] You check the closet—nothing there, just coats along the rail Then under the bed, where dust has gathered pale The shower curtain shifts; you freeze and count to four That little drip keeps time beside the bathroom door I’m not your stalker, just a wolf come roun I’ll drag your nerve through every room and turn it upside down The clock hands crawl; the hallway holds its breath You’ve played the game this far—now your face is paintin' death [Bridge] One ring, two rings, shadows on the wall No reprieve, no room at all Keep your eyes on every door You won’t laugh the same way anymore [Pre-Chorus] Lock the latch and draw the shade Hear the promise that I made When the leaves are dry and brown That’s when I come prowling round [Final Chorus] It’s that time of year, lock your doors in fear I’m no beast beneath the hedge—I’m already here Hallows Eve, you thought you’d get reprieve I play tricks for your treat; now don’t you leave The call is coming from inside Hear that ring? Go run and hide It’s all a game to me Feels better when you flee [Outro] Better lock your doors in fear Can you hear me, can you hear? I play tricks, you want a treat Feel the rhythm, feel the heat Sitting at the edge of your seat Counting every little beat The call is coming from inside You hear that ring and run to hide It’s all a game to me— your panic’s plain to see Time to make you pay It’s my time to play It’s my time to play
