I walk at low tide

And watch that rag-grey sea

Trammel down the shoreline

To tear dust factories

And I salute the magpie

And sing a sad luck blues

And try to find a picture

That could take the place of you

But you're residing in me

An unintended guest

And now you've brought your friends and all your family

I've not a second's rest

I know I sinned and gambled and I wagered that I was immune

Like Troilus in the temple mocking star-struck lovers much too soon

It was me of course who was on course to get it in the eye

Darling, won't you hear my heart come riding stoned and blind

When the city's on you, and its scratching to get in

And the night is blacker than a plague of devil's wings

I'll be waiting in the doorway, for your mouth on my skin

And the stars will rain down silver like the angel's lucky win

And the road lines will pluck tuneful on their vagrant violin

And your words will taste of bourbon, and your hands will make me sing

We'll walk at low tide

And watch that eye-glass sea

Trammel down the shoreline

To tear dust factories

With a rose of black hawthorn

And an ermine out of down

We'll toast the coronation

To the very best love in town

But now you've taken over

It's a mutiny

You've changed the locks

And left me in a strange and somehow altered key

I know I sinned and gambled and I boasted that I was immune

Like Troilus in the court I didn't count upon the sight of you

It was me, of course, who was on course to get it in the eye

Darling, won't you hear my heart come riding stoned and blind