(Verse 1) The bishop counts his silver while the beggar counts his sores, And the plague doctor’s laughing ‘cause he’s knocking on your door. The king’s got a crown but the rats own the floor, And the blacksmith’s hammer echoes through the war. (Pre-Chorus) Light a candle, say a prayer, But God’s gone quiet—does He still care? (Chorus) Welcome to the dark, dark ages, Where the river’s thick with lies and wages. Every saint has got a dagger, Every lover’s just a stranger. Welcome to the dark. (Verse 2) The witch in the hollow sings a lullaby of flame, While the hangman ties his noose in the magistrate’s name. The fields are all ashes but the taxes still came, And the children dream of bread that tastes the same. (Bridge) Oh, the moon’s a crooked judge, And the stars won’t testify. So light your torches, feed the grudge, Tomorrow means we die. (Chorus) Welcome to the dark, dark ages, Where the river’s thick with lies and wages. Every saint has got a dagger, Every lover’s just a stranger. Welcome to the dark. (Outro) So bury me shallow, let the crows have their feast, For the earth is too tired and the Lord’s gone to sleep. And when the last fire flickers out in the east, Maybe then… we’ll find some peace.
