Silence is a stranger that I've never let inside I hear him knocking, but I do not dare reply God knows what he would say if I opened up my door I'll keep up this clamour so he can't tell me the score Solitude's an old friend from the other side of town When he comes across the river I pretend I'm not around His voice brings me comfort and his counsel's always wise But I can't stand to face the disappointment in his eyes Quiet, come another time Isn't on my side I need to look alive Suffering, my mother, she has loved me since my youth Never have I wondered if her teaching wasn't true When she speaks, she whispers gently, never does she shout But sometimes when I'm weary, it feels good to drown her out Quiet, come another time Isn't on my side Give me a reason why I should let it lie I need to look alive Stillness is a woman I'm too cowardly to kiss A hallowed thing to hold before my unclean lips She told me she loved me but I ran away and hid I'm convinced she'd do the same if she saw beneath my skin Quiet, I'm listening this time I need you on my side I'm out of reasons why I can't keep up this fight I want to feel alive