Mercy
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Lyrics

I stood in the water
I found myself standing in the water, surrounded by coldness and isolation.

In the middle month of winter
It was during the middle of winter, when the darkness is at its peak and light is scarce.

My camel skin was torture
The roughness of my clothing was causing me discomfort and pain.

I was in a state of nature
I was in an unpolished and raw state, with no pretense or facade to obscure my true self.

The wind, sir, it was wicked
The wind was harsh and unforgiving, adding to my sense of being at the mercy of the elements.

I was so alone
I had no companionship or support, and felt the weight of being entirely by myself.

Just as I predicted
This outcome was expected and had been anticipated by me.

My followers were gone
The people who had once followed and supported me had abandoned me in my time of need.

And I cried `Mercy'
Desperately, I called out for mercy, for a reprieve from the difficulties I was experiencing.

Have mercy upon me
I begged for mercy to be shown to me, to be granted some relief from suffering.

And I got down on my knees
I humbled myself and pleaded for help, expressing my vulnerability and sense of powerlessness.

Thrown into a dungeon
I was unfairly put into confinement, stripped of my freedom and dignity.

Bread and water was my portion
I was given only the basic necessities, with no luxuries or comforts provided.

Faith - my only weapon
In the face of such injustice, I relied on my faith as a source of strength and resilience.

To rest the devil's legion
I fought against the forces of evil that sought to harm and destroy me.

The speak-hole would slide open
A small opening in the wall was the only way I could communicate with the outside world.

A viper's voice would plead
Someone with malicious intent would speak to me, trying to manipulate or deceive me.

Thick with innuendo
Their words were loaded with hidden meanings and implications, meant to confuse and disorient me.

Syphilis and Greed
The forces that sought to harm me were driven by perverse desires and avarice.

And she cried `Mercy'
Another person cried out for mercy, perhaps recognizing the need for compassion and forgiveness.

And I told her to get down on her knees
I demanded that the person who spoke to me show humility and supplication, as a condition for receiving mercy.

In a garden full of roses
In a place of great beauty and serenity, surrounded by natural abundance.

My hands, tied behind me
I was bound and constrained, unable to move with freedom or ease.

My cousin was working miracles
Someone close to me was performing miraculous deeds, perhaps raising hope that I too could be liberated from my troubles.

I wondered if he'd find me
I expressed doubt and uncertainty about my fate, unsure if anyone would be able to rescue me.

The moon was turned toward me
The moon, a symbol of change and transformation, seemed to be paying attention to me and my plight.

Like a platter made of gold
The moon was radiant and beautiful, shining like a valuable treasure.

My death, it almost bored me
I had become so despondent and weary that the prospect of dying held little terror or disturbance for me.

So often was it told
The story of my demise had been recounted so many times, it had lost its impact and meaning.

I cried `Mercy'
Once again, I called out for mercy, seeking relief from the challenges that had overtaken me.

I cried mercy on me
I implored for mercy to be bestowed upon me, understanding that I had no ability to change my situation on my own.

Cryind `Mercy'
My desperate and anguished cry for help and compassion.

Have mercy on me
My plea for forgiveness and relief, recognizing my own weakness and vulnerability.