i held the monkey's paw and put my wishes into play

to know the will of God, to show a motive for delay

i'm holding on to find myself

just one more wish

i found a pot of gold or something shining anyway

and caught in my reflection a conviction held at bay

i crafted a cross to adorn my neck

and finally earned my due respect

and then a jewel encrusted crown

to complement my priestly gown

just big enough to weigh me down

and bring this temple to the ground

from inside out without a sound

i found a pot of gold today

i held the monkey's paw today

and put my wishes into play

thanked heaven for the trophies

but i still had hell to pay

so i brought my spoils to the altar's edge

heard You say obey instead

for all of my labors and best laid plans

i'd only earned a reprimand

forevermore to understand

that dreams come true can kill a man

if never graced by sovereign hands

i held the monkey's paw.