The Lamia

[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 I feel no pain (Ahh, ah-ah-ah, ohh, ohh) Only a magic that a name would stain (Ohh, ohh-oh-oh-oh, oh) With the first drop of my blood in their veins, their faces are convulsed in mortal pains (Ahh, ah-ah-ah, ohh, oh-oh-oh) 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]