White wing mercy I don't want to stay here White wing mercy don't you leave me here
It was passed among the rest of them While playing cards and playing friends That some of us are crazy (With a voice that knew who) I tied up all my laces I covered up my faces And staring in the mirror I'd dare to wonder who
Was it my father with his hunting kit Was it my mother with her hitting stick Or was it my auntie who was always sick Or was it me -- that was my biggest fear. I wouldn't look at anybody in the eyes I was afraid they'd realize I was a crazy in a kid's disguise And they wouldn't let me go to summer camp next year.
How they never gave my growth a rest At my etiquette or at my breast Humility the hidden test -- I played along But going through my day-to-day I felt sure there was another way I was wondering the price I paid to belong.
I left my father as only daughters can I chose to see him as a monster of a man I left my mother in her frameless cage But never could I shake her rage
Now you with your visions And you with your fancies And you with your stories I couldn't understand My childhood adored you And naked before you I stand as a witness as timeless as sand.
White wing mercy carry me away I hear them singing clear from over here. White wing mercy I don't want to stay here White wing mercy Don't you leave me here.