Street of Red Lanterns (Tree of Shadows)

Oh, as I walked down the docks with the sun in me eye

Right out of nowhere a sailor walked by

He stopped and he asked me “Son, are you a man?”

Said “I’m walkin’ the streets with me mast in me hand”

He said

Oh, that won’t do!

Off to the street of red lanterns with you

It’s just ‘round the corner, they know what you need

They’ll pull the moon out of the sky for a fee

I went ‘round the corner, that sailor was right

So I emptied me purse and I stayed there all night

When mornin’ came ‘round, I asked me new friend

“Can I please stay milady, I’ve nothin’ to spend”

She said

Oh, that won’t do

Off of the street of red lanterns with you

I’ll still be right here when you have what I need

But darlin’ I only do ladies for free

I met a young lady all dressed up in lace

Just a walkin’ the streets with a scowl on her face

She said “Sir, I’m a stranger in this foreign land,

Since I been here me only true friend’s been me hand”

I said

Oh, that won’t do

Off to the street of red lanterns with you

It’s just ‘round the corner, they know what you need

And some of them even see ladies for free

I said to the priest “Oh, you’ll never guess where

I’ve just seen the Bishop sneak down the back stairs.”

He cried out “Blasphemer, you’re goin’ to Hell”

Fine!  I hear the red lanterns burn down there as well

Oh, that won’t do

Off to the street of red lanterns with you

It’s just ‘round the corner, they know what you need

But horny old devils get nothin’ for free

I said to his majesty “Lord have you heard?

Red lanterns be burnin’ I’m spreadin’ the word”

He replied “Really? I wasn’t aware” 

To which I said “HA!”

Just ‘cause you use the back door don’t mean you’re not there

Oh, that won’t do

Off to the street of red lanterns with you

It’s just ‘round the corner, they know what you need

I hear they all sell two for one to the King

Farewell, I’ll be

On the street of red lanterns if you’re needin’ me

It’s just ‘round the corner, they know what I need

And they never charge minstrels the usual fee

Try once, you’ll see

Why the street of red lanterns means so much to me.