10,000 Maniacs - Pit Viper [ lyrics: Natalie Merchant/music: Steve Gustafson ] in the cruel garrison of affection if worth of lore is true you know the face of a temptress pit viper a witch or enchantress pit viper with the malign venom of conceit she tries civil men conceal fear misgivings when night entreats them a greater chill sustains stains her darkness shall not inhibit death blow know this skin does not restrict her tear and shed the coil fall of garland leaves below the soil /print/10-000-Maniacs/337-Pit-Viper.html