Appointment in Samarra

from You're Home Now by Richard Berman

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lyrics

I am a Bagdad merchant with a strange tale to relate
Today I sent my trusted servant to buy supplies in the market place
He soon came back, trembling, his face as white as ash
He gripped my hand in his hands speaking as he held that grasp

Master, just now in the market/ I was jostled from behind
I turned, Death stood before me/ arms raised, eyes fixed on mine

Before Death’s arms could reach me I fled back in the crowd
I need your help, dear Master, lend me your horse right now
I’ll ride north from the city, reach Samarra by tonight
Death will not find me up there, no time to lose, I must take flight
I helped my servant mount up, he dug his spurs and off he rode
I walked down to the market/ Spotted Death in his dark robe

Tell me why you’ve done this, threatened my servant as you did
Why’d you raise your arms up as though he’d no more time to live?

Death regarded me a moment, when he spoke his voice was calm
“It’s true I raised my arms up, but with no intent to harm
It’s surprise that caused that gesture, such an unexpected sight
For my appointment with your servant is In Samarra for tonight”

credits

from You're Home Now, released November 7, 2014
Vocals - Richard
Fiddle - Chris Devine
Guitars - Max;
Percussion - Joe Fitzpatrick
Dumbek - Rusty Annis

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Richard Berman Amherst, Massachusetts

richardberman.com

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