"The Beggar Lover (Three)" lyrics - SWANS

[Part 1 (0:00 - 12:10)]

[Instrumental: 0:00 - 3:52]

[Jennifer Gira:]
Slowly, it's taking me over and eventually I'll be completely transformed: diffused in the earth, or incinerated and vaporized. It's in the food I eat, in the air I breathe. It's in the people I love and they frighten me. I can see a black shadow shimmering just beneath their skin. Despite my love for them, there's nothing I can do for them, nor is there anything they can do for themselves. It's slowly encroaching, relentless. Its appetite is endless and will never be filled

[Instrumental: 4:44 - 10:00]

(Michael Gira):
Milky Michael, sleepy Michael
Sleepy Michael, milky Michael
Sleepy Michael, milky Michael
Milky Michael, sleepy Michael
Sleepies, close your eyes
Close your eyes

[Instrumental: 10:57 - 12:10]

[Part 2 (12:10 - 24:07)]

[Instrumental]

[Part 3 (24:07 - 27:32)]

[Instrumental: 24:07 - 26:45]

[Saoirse Gira:]
-to sing a song for you, daddy:
This old man, he played one
He played knick-knack on my thumb
With a knick-knack paddywhack
Give the dog a bone
This old man came rolling home
This old man, he played one
He played knick-knack on my thumb
With a knick-knack paddywhack
Give the dog a bone
This old man came rolling home

[Instrumental: 27:08 - 27:32]

[Part 4 (27:32 - 32:03)]

[Instrumental]

[Part 5 (32:03 - 43:52)]

[Instrumental: 32:03 - 35:14]

[Michael Gira:]
I can see it, but not see it
I can feel it, but not keep it
I can touch it, but not hold it
I can be it, but not know it
I can reach it, but won't touch it
I can tame it, but release it
I unfold it, but won't see it
I can breathe it, but not taste it
I will lose it, but I'll keep it
In the shadow, in the light pool
In the reason for our being
I won't touch it, I won't hold it
I can be it, but not feel it
I can steal it, but not keep it
I can break it, but not heal it
I can see it, but not see it
I can feel it, but not keep it
I can touch it, but not hold it
I can be it, but not know it
I can reach it, but won't touch it
I can tame it, but release it
I unfold it