lyrics
Are you a deep pit, are you a narrow well?
Do you increase the faithless, send their souls to hell?
Do you collect your wool, your oil, your drink, your bread
from men with foreign tongue who climb into your bed?
And when the morning comes, nightwatchmen climb from towers,
they watch your husbands sneak home in the early hours,
back to the wives they left when you called them in the square
They turn their backs and run only to leave you there
Oh, forgotten harlot, does it make you want to sin no more?
Oh, forgotten harlot, does it make you feel like a whore?
But when your harlot's wages keep rolling in,
does it make you want to begin again?
Just a harlot, still a harlot, till she becomes somebody's bride
Do you profane your father on every threshing ground?
Are you a constant hunter, your feet knowing no house?
Does your face stay veiled, your forehead show no shame?
Are you an act of folly for many men to blame?
And when before a king, a sword is drawn for justice
to dispense whores' sons, one lost, one stole for fairness
Do you claim an even share that then betrays your lie?
Shout, "Neither mine nor hers! But let monarchs divide!"
Oh, forgotten harlot, does it make you want to sin no more?
Oh, forgotten harlot, does it make you feel like a whore?
But when your harlot's wages keep rolling in,
does it make you want to begin again?
Just a harlot, still a harlot, till she becomes somebody's bride
So take up, take up and play with skill
Take up and roam that city still
Take up, take up and sing your song to be remembered after long
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