"Lady in Black" is a song by the rock band Uriah Heep. It is the fourth track of their 1971 album Salisbury.
The song is credited to Ken Hensley. It tells the story of a man wandering through war-torn darkness and encountering a goddess-like entity who consoles him. It is often praised, by fans and critics alike, as Hensley's most poetic work to date.
Lyrics
She came to me one morning
One lonely Sunday morning
Her long hair flowing in the mid-winter wind
I know not how she found me
For in darkness I was walking
And destruction lay around me
From a fight I could not win
Ah, ah, ah
She asked me name my foe then
I said the need within some men
To fight and kill their brothers without thought of men or God
And I begged her give me horses
To trample down my enemies
So eager was my passion to devour this waste of life
Ah, ah, ah
But she would not think of battle that
Reduces men to animals
So easy to begin and yet impossible to end
For she the mother of all men
Had counciled me so wisely that
I feared to walk alone again
And asked if she would stay
Ah, ah, ah
Oh, lady, lend your hand, I cried
Oh, let me rest here at your side
Have faith and trust in me, she said and filled my heart with life
There is no strength in numbers
I've no such misconceptions
But when you need me be assured I won't be far away
Ah, ah, ah
Thus having spoke she turned away And though I found no words to say I stood and watched until I saw her black cloak disappear My labor is no easier But now I know I'm not alone I find new heart each time I think upon that windy day And if one day she comes to you Drink deeply from her words so wise Take courage from her as your prize and say hello for me Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Songwriters: Ken Hensley Lady in Black lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Uriah Heep
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