Song Description

This is a frightening ballad about sexual abuse and the fantasy / dream that one follows to escape the trauma.

Lyrics

Four Ravens
© Bruce Mills 2005 (ASCAP)

The maiden spoke to the Ravens black -
Bring safely to me - the little one back
I'll wait by the river until the morning sun -
Please: Bring back me my dear little one

Rise, little one, from your restless sleep
Come this very night, to the forest deep
The maiden ever faithful calls you home
Come little one, you're not alone

Through the smoke and through the flames
Four ravens called - the little one by name
And from his bed - to the window came
The little one - No one to blame

Chorus:
Four Ravens came from the forest deep
One to watch - the little one sleep
One to remember - and secrets keep
One to sing - and one to mourn

On that night the little one laid
In his cradle - so afraid
The old man in the rocking chair
Watched the little one sleeping there

Words with peppermint, whiskey and beer
Spoken in the little one's ear
Nothing to gain - but much to fear -
Little one - the Ravens are near

On that awful night, a childhood died
House set on fire by one who lied
Body remembers, but mind lets go
Please let the maiden know

Chorus:
Four Ravens came from the forest deep
One to watch - the little one sleep
One to remember - and secrets keep
One to sing - and one to mourn

Though burning bright - the smoke and flames
Not a single angel knew
No one in Heaven called the little one's name
So - only the Ravens flew

The maiden she speaks to the little one alone
She tells him now - the forest is your home
Lilies will grow where the river ends -
The Ravens are your only friends

Epilogue (a Capella): Four Ravens in the forest born
One that remembered - and one that mourned
One that sang the child to sleep -
One that died to secrets keep