Empire State (Son House in Excelsis)

Hard as the kick in a young man's stride

I stabbed myself back into the night

One heel in front, one heel behind

Life in the Empire State

Angels and devils before my eyes

The palms of my hands hung by my side

Helpless I watched them destroy and divide

Life in the Empire State

Cold were my bones, warm was the fire

White was your face cast to my mind

Bright as ever any light that shined

On life in the Empire State

Into the void I roared in vain

What if the South's gonna do it again?

Promise you'll be by my side for the end

Of life in the Empire State

Shrug off the shifting weight of home

And hope that the almighty anchor will hold

Was there room in your heart for your weakest son all along

Whistle sirens the blind coming on

No matter how lion-hearted my will I still stray beyond?

I threw up my hands and swore I'd find more in your arms

Was the narrow way there in our midst all along?

Sounds like the empire State's coming on