Released on November 18, 1974

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[Verse 1: Peter Gabriel]

The scent grows richer

He knows he must be near

He finds a long passageway lit by chandelier

Each step he takes, the perfumes change

From familiar fragrance to flavors strange

A magnificent chamber meets his eye


[Verse 2: Peter Gabriel]

Inside, a long rose water pool

Is shrouded by fine mist

Stepping in the moist silence

With a warm breeze, he's gently kissed

Thinking he is quite alone

He enters the room as if it were his own

But ripples on the sweet pink water

Reveal some company unthought of

[Chorus: Peter Gabriel, Peter Gabriel & Phil Collins]

Rael stands astonished, doubting his sight

Struck by beauty, gripped in fright

Three vermilion snakes of female face

The smallest motion, filled with grace

Muted melodies fill the echoing hall

But there is no sign of warning in the siren's call

"Rael, welcome, we are the Lamia of the pool

We have been waiting for our waters to bring you cool"


[Verse 3: Peter Gabriel]

Putting fear beside him

He trusts in beauty blind

He slips into the nectar

Leaving his shredded clothes behind

With their tongues, they test, taste and judge

All that is mine

They move in a series of caresses

That glide up and down my spine

[Verse 4: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins]

As they nibble the fruit of my flesh (Ahh, ah-ah-ah)

I feel no pain (Ohh, ohh)

Only a magic (Ohh, ohh-oh-oh-oh)

That a name would stain (Ohh)

With the first drop of my blood in their veins (Ohh, oh-oh-oh)

Their faces are convulsed in mortal pains (Ahh, ah-ah-ah)

The fairest cries "We all have loved you, Rael" (Ohh, ohh)

[Chorus: Peter Gabriel, Peter Gabriel & Phil Collins]

Each empty snake-like body floats

Silent sorrow in empty boats

A sickly sourness fills the room

The bitter harvest of a dying bloom

Looking for motion I know I will not find

I stroke the curls, now turning pale, in which I'd lain entwined

Oh Lamia, your flesh that remains I will take as my food

It is the scent of garlic that lingers on my chocolate fingers


[Outro]

Looking behind me

The water turns icy blue

The lights are dimmed, and once again

The stage is set for you


[Instrumental]