Mrs. William
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

Mrs William
The song is addressing a woman named Mrs William

Where is William ?
Asking where Mrs William's husband, William, is

Where has William go ?
Wondering where William has gone to

You know you shouldn't
Implying that Mrs William should not be in the place she is right now

Come into a place like this alone
Suggesting that it is dangerous for Mrs William to be alone in this place

Now if you'd like to sit here at my table, I'll abide
Offering Mrs William to sit at the singer's table

But it isn't usually my thing to do another's bride
Admitting that the singer does not usually entertain someone who is already married

I'll sell my heart, I'll sell my brain
Promising to do anything to win Mrs William's affection

I'll sell my love and all my fame
Offering to give up everything dear to him to have Mrs William

My mother maybe and my brother too
Claiming that he is ready to give up his family for Mrs William

To raise the stake to pay for you
Willing to do whatever it takes to have the opportunity to be with Mrs William

To get you from his side
Wanting Mrs William to leave her husband and be with the singer instead

And then I'll watch keep one eye open
The singer would wait for Mrs William, keeping watch over her, and keeping one eye open to see what happens

Halfway fearing, halfway hoping
Feeling both excited and scared of what could happen

That blackguard boy with handsome muscle
Referring to Mrs William's husband as a 'blackguard boy' who is well-built

Disturb your sleep with tiny tussle
Imagining that William could harass Mrs William with a small, physical altercation

And earn by stealing
Suggesting that William could take Mrs William away from the singer

Mrs William gone again
Mrs William leaves either physically or emotionally

But with your eyes and with your aura
Despite physically leaving, her presence is felt through the atmosphere she exudes

You'll never leave a place alone
Imagining that Mrs William is memorable and impactful, leaving an imprint wherever she goes

I have you always the taste of us coming
Suggesting the artist has experienced the presence of Mrs William in the past and will do so in the future

(You'll make the beasties and the flora)
Comparing Mrs William to a force of nature, something that can influence and impact the environment

You're part of our eternal home
Claiming that Mrs William is a part of the singer's world, making it home

(Humble and bow down)
A phrase that implies reverence and submission to a higher power or a respected entity