[Verse 1] When in the flash of an instant East and West shook hands at last They said, “Now peace has found us” But I knew it wouldn’t last I lay my head down heavy But that whisper scratched my chest My mother’s voice still curses me — No son of hers finds rest [Chorus] That’s it, they cried, that trembling crowd In the dust of a long-lost town But when the stranger turned his face They saw a devil wearing a crown You can’t run from what you’ve done You can’t bleed and call it clean No rest for the wicked stranger No waking from this dream [Verse 2] He came with boots of silence And a suitcase full of sin With fingers cold like iron And a long scar on his chin He said, “I bring you warnings, But I sell them with a grin— Now who among you holy ones Will dare to let me in?” [Bridge – Slide Guitar Solo] (Think smoky, raw slide work à la “A Million Miles Away”) [Chorus – Repeat] That’s it, they cried, the lights went out The bells refused to chime The villain smiled like Judgment Day And danced upon your spine You can’t run from what you’ve done You can’t weep and call it grace No rest for the wicked stranger With the devil’s hidden face
