why does the earth give us people to love?

[Verse 1]

Why does the earth give us people to love?

Then take them away, out of reach?

Why does the earth make us fill up the church

When the answers are beneath our feet?

[Chorus]

I've buried old and young

I've watched them lower a saint

We're only waiting our turn

Call that living?

[Verse 2]

Why does the earth give us people to love?

Then give them a sickness that kills?

And why does the earth make us pay for the dirt?

Are you saying the dead pay the bills?

[Chorus]

I've buried old and young

I've watched them lower a saint

We're only waiting our turn

Call that living?

[Verse 3]

Like aiming arrows at my eye

Scraping the skin off of my thigh

Trained my corneas not to cry

But they will not obey this time

No, they will not obey this time

When we could barely read

I stood beneath your latest masterpiece

You collected colored pencils

And sharpened them when they got weak

But just when you should sharpen me

The angels licensed you to leave

No trace, no teeth

Lead me to the place you sleep

At the age of seventeen

Your knees were weaker than a sheet

And I was just in disbelief

The sight of you was vanishing

We were going to start a band

Hijack my folks' minivan

Actualize our silly plans

The lifelines written in our hands

[Outro]

I'll make a promise to you then

If we can ever sing again

You sing those high notes high, my friend

I'll sing the low notes in the end

I'll sing the low notes in the end