Paradiso (CD Bonus Track)

(album: Strange Times - 1986)

I recall a closing door, and I remember
Seeing shadows cross a stained glass sky
Long before the strangers came down to steal our clothing
And our consciences long before
Eyes were empty
Hearts were cold

We'll watch the rattlesnakes slide
Slowly swerve into view
To tease and tantalize
To sucker your senses and spit out the pieces
Hey magazine girl
She was living in a different world
Or is it a he?

Pull back the curtain my son
I look around, the color has gone
And slowly darkness descends upon me
Paradiso, I know you lied, that much I see

Well the serpent sings his song
To so many sleeping staring eyes
Like sheep they sing along
And clap in time to a heart that's beating

Crazy child, she was wicked
Oh, she was wild
Her eyes are open
Pull back the curtain today
I look around
The color is gray

Gray as the ghost town that towers above me
Paradiso, I know you lied, that much is clear, to me

I see the poet and the fool
Walking hand in hand to school
I recall the lonely outcast and I remember
Laughing children, it was long before
Their eyes were empty
Hearts were cold

So, dance this final dance with me
I'll wrap my sting round your spine
Will poison wash away the fear
Wipe the world from my mind?

Look up, what can you do?
I looked around the color was blue
Wise up, it's in your head
I looked around me and the color is red

Red as the words that I read on the wall
Paradiso, kingdoms rise, so must they fall
And only ashes remain in the end
Paradiso, I know you lied, lies without end
I'll see it again and again and again