The Seventh Seal lyrics

[Verse 1]

Anybody seen a knight pass this way?

I saw him playing chess with Death, yesterday

His crusade was a search for God and they say

It's been a long way to carry on

[Verse 2]

Anybody hear of plague in this town?

The town I've left behind was burned to the ground

A young girl on a stake, her face framed in flames

Cried, "I'm not a witch, God knows my name"

The knight, he watched with fear, he needed to know

He ran where he might feel God's breath

And in the misty church, he knelt to confess

The face within the booth was Mr. Death

[Verse 3]

My life's a vain pursuit of meaningless miles

"Why can't God touch me with a sign?"

"Perhaps there's no one there," answered the booth

And Death hid within his cloak and smiled

"This morning I played chess with Death," said the knight

We played that he might grant me time

My bishop and my knight will shatter his flanks

And still I might feel God's heart in mine

[Verse 4]

And through confession's grille, Death's laughter was heard

The knight cried, "No, you've cheated me!

But still I'll find a way, we'll meet once again

And once again continue to play"

They met within the woods, the knight, his squire, and friends

And Death said, "Now, the game shall end"

The final move was made, the knight hung his head

And said, "You've won, I've nothing left to play"

[Verse 5]

The minstrel filled with visions sang to his love

To look against the stormy sky

The knight, his squire, and friends, their hands held as one

Solemnly danced toward the dawn

His hourglass in his hand, his scythe by his side

The master, Death, he leads them on

The rain will wash away the tears from their faces

And as the thunder cracked, they were gone

• Artist:Scott Walker
• Album:"Scott 4" (1969)