Standard (EADGBE)
I recall the closing door and I remember seeing shadows cross the
stained-glass stare
Long before the strangers came down to steal our clothing and our consciences
And long before, eyes were empty hearts were cold
We'll watch the rattlesnake slide, slowly swerve into view, to
Tease and tantalize, to suck your senses and spit out the pieces
Magazine girl, she is living in a different world, or is it a he?
Pull back the curtain my son, I look around-- the color has gone
And slowly darkness descends upon me. Paradiso, I know you lie--
that much is clear (to me).
While the serpent sings his song to so many sleeping staring eyes
Like sheep they sing along and clap in time to a heart that's beating
Crazy child, she is wicked oh she is wild and so enticing
Pull back the curtain today, I look around me and the color is gray
Gray as this ghost town that towers above me. Paradiso, I know you lie--
That much is clear (to me)
I see the poet and the fool walking hand in hand to school
And I recall the lonely outcast and I remember laughing children
It was long before their eyes were empty, hearts were cold
So dance this final dance with me and wrap your sting around my spine
Will poison wash away the tears, wipe the world from my mind
Look up--- what can you do? I looked around the color was blue
Wise up, it's in your head, I looked around me and the color was red
Red as the words that I read on the wall, paradiso-- kingdoms rise,
So must they fall
And only ashes remain in the end, paradiso-- I know you lie, lies without end
I'll see it again and again and again, I'll see it again and again and again
Paradiso, paradiso