why does the earth give us people to love?

Why does the earth give us people to love
Then take them away from our reach?

Why does the earth make us fill up the church
When the answers are beneath our feet?

I’ve buried old and young
I’ve watched them lower a saint
We’re only waiting our turn
Call that living?

Why does the earth give us people to love
Then give them a sickness that kills?

Why does the earth make us pay for the dirt?
Are you saying the dead pay the bills?

I’ve buried old and young
I’ve watched them lower a saint
We’re only waiting our turn
Call that living?

Like aiming arrows at my eye
Scraping the skin off of my thigh
Trained my corneas not to cry
But they will not obey this time
No, they will not obey this time

When we could barely read
I stood beneath your latest masterpiece
You collected colored pencils
And sharpened them when they got weak

But just when you should sharpen me
The angels licensed you to leave
No trace, no teeth
Lead me to the place you sleep

At the age of seventeen
Your knees were weaker than a sheet
I was still in disbelief
The sight of you was vanishing

We were going to start a band
Hijack my folks minivan
Actualize our silly plans
The lifelines written in our hands

I’ll make a promise to you then
If we can ever sing again
You sing those high notes high, my friend
I’ll sing the low notes in the end
I’ll sing the low notes in the end