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.