Jennifer's Veil

The Birthday Party

Compositor: Nick Cave / Rowland S. Howard

So youve come back for jennifer
You know, she hides her face behind a veil
Im warning you frankie, leave on the next train
Your jennifer she just isnt the same
Quit waving that thing about! come back!
Come back and give me a chance to explain
Your baby will never cry again.

So dont try to reach out
And dont let the ships flag down
Point the figure-head at the storm
And drive her hard upon
Dont stop and dont stop
And dont let the veil drop
(another ship ready to sail--the rigging is tight
Tight like jennifers veil).

She drew the curtain on her face
Ever since they came and burnt the old place down
Why is she searching through the ashes?
Why, only jennifer knows that now.
And the officer, without a word,
Left all his junk and just moved out.

So dont try to reach out
And dont let the ships flag down
Point the figure-head at the glass
Smash! smash! into shards
Dont stop and dont touch!
And dont let the veil drop...behind jennifers veil

Oh god! frankie! is that really you!
Get back! dont reach out!
Get back, and get that lantern out of my room!

Dont try to reach out
And dont let the ships flag down
Down, down over her, like a shroud

And let her sail on the sea like a stone.
Dont touch and dont touch
And dont let the veil drop
Another ship ready to dock...the rigging comes loose...