the seductive stranger is our clergyman

2007

Oh little girl, the water feels so good.
It's merry here, the sirens hum so softly.
The water's rising; the sirens still sing,
but I hear nothing in the lull.

The preacher is coming by
with some things he'd like to sell.
Like Salvation for a nickel, temptation for a dime,
but there are other things he'd rather buy.

Oh little girl, come play in the street.
The city is merry in its fervor.
The sirens wail, and the city sways in liquor,
but it's so quiet in the lull.

Something shiny for the offering plate,
walk your hand along the rails.
Ask the preacher to explain,
and he'll lean down to whisper in your ear.

Oh little girl, come meet me by the sand dunes.
What a quiet day for secrets.
Only the sea gulls notice the sirens,
because the little girl lies quiet in the sea.