St. James' Bed

I hear way down in New Orleans
They heal suffering
Take away disease

It will all evaporate from your soul
I haven't seen it
But I've been told

Put all that sorrow in a tune
Hum it softly
And call it blue

Clap your hands and raise your head
Bring your spirit down
To St. James' Bed

Oh, my sweet friend
We're all going
Down to the river's end

And wash our dirty hands clean
In the songs of our lonely
Ghosts' release

All those streetlights that burn so bright
Will watch over us
And keep us through the night
And place your heart over hand
It's our gospel
And you're my hymn

Going to feel that fire
Going to feel that fire inside
Let it burn us up
Burn us white

Oh, my sweet friend
Ain't you coming
Down to the river's end

And wash ourselves so clean
In the memories we find
In those streets

Oh, my sweet friend
Ain't you coming
Down to the river's end