Lovers accustomed to tragedy See every kiss in the window across the street Breezes and blessings passing by, ah ooh-oh
I'm in the shade of the dogwood tree Not the one where you told your name to me Two hungry blackbirds land near by, ah ooh-oh
If I could be over you when the sky starts falling Would you be happy under me? If I could be under you if the earth was burning Could you be trusted over me?
Spoke to a mother whose baby drowned Gave me advice, or a rumor she once heard: “Heaven's a distance, not a place,” ah ooh-oh
Gave her an ear from the corn we grew You were away but she gave her thanks to you That was a year ago come May, ah ooh-oh
If I could be over you when the sky starts falling Would you be smothered under me? If I could be under you if the earth was burning Would you be cryin’ over me?
I could hear kids in the yard next door Cats in the brush when the calendar fell down Wait by the shade-tree one more year, ah ooh-oh
Poetry tempered with tragedy Tempted and pulled when you cry upon my sleeve Two flocks of blackbirds meet the air
If I could be over you when the sky starts falling Would you be happy under me? If I could be under you if the earth was burning Could you be trusted over me?