Phoenix

There was a rhythm in the dream.
There was a place I lost control.
There was a time I went to sleep
a long time ago . . .

There are echoes in my blood.
Now I never rest.
There's an army of angels
all dressed in red . . .

It's underneath my fingernails -
like claws for the fight -
A panther who would crack the skin
I wear for you . . .

No more lady of this night -
No more step across my back -
No more howl into my soul
all the words you cannot say . . .

I'm taking over now.
I don't need you anymore.
I don't need you for the dark
to roll me to the dawn . . .

I whispered and I cringed
and I smiled at you too much.
You grabbed me by the ribs and said,
"Oh, babe, I like you small . . . "

The panther's at my breast.
She's suckled long enough.
She is the night you fear in me -
She is the sacred scream . . .


It's running up my spine now -
This long red thing
from the earth to the sky
from the east to the west . . .

I don't need you to say yes,
That it's going to be alright.
I don't need you to love this place
where madness reigns . . .

I don't need you to call me
by sexy names -
To sit on my throne
and throw me crumbs in bed . . .

It's too late to be nice,
and I've come too far.
I've climbed the mountain,
And I've drunk her down . . .

If you kiss me now,
you will burn in hell -
And you will love the flames
that lick me clean.