The Butcher lyrics

Song information

Artist: Leonard Cohen
Album: Songs From A Room

Lyrics

I came upon a butcher
He was slaughtering a lamb
I accused him there
With his tortured lamb
He said, "listen to me, child
I am what I am and you, you are my only son."

Well, I found a silver needle
I put it into my arm
It did some good
Did some harm
But the nights were cold
And it almost kept me warm
How come the night is long?

I saw some flowers growing up
Where that lamb fell down;
Was I supposed to praise my lord
Make some kind of joyful sound?
He said, "listen, listen to me now
I go round and round
And you, you are my only child."

Do not leave me now
Do not leave me now
I'm broken down
From a recent fall
Blood upon my body
And ice upon my soul
Lead on, my son, it is your world