patti smith - death singing lyrics

in the straw-colored light
in light rapidly changing
on a life rapidly fading

have you seen death singing
have you seen death singing

with a throat smooth as a lamb
yet dry as a branch not snapping
he throws back his head
and he does not sing a thing mournful

have you seen death singing
have you seen death singing
have you seen death singing
in the straw-colored light

he sings a black embrade
and white opals swimming
in a child's leather purse
have you seen death swimming
have you seen death swimming

with a throat smooth as a lamb
yet dry as a branch not snapping
he throws back his head
and he does not sing a thing mournful

have you seen death singing
have you seen death singing
have you seen death singing
in the straw-colored light

he sings of youth enraged
and the burning of atlanta
and these viral times
and may ribbons streaming
and straw-colored curls a-turning
a mother's vain delight
and woe to the sun
and woe to the young
another hearse is drawn
have you seen death singing
in the straw-colored light