We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Devil in the Garden

from Singing on the Wind by Anne Lister

/

about

For all the women who have ever told me that they aren't creative and wished they could play an instrument, write songs, tell stories - or simply walk out of their lives. I have been that devil - at least in part. Written some time in 1989, probably.

lyrics

I met the devil in the garden, every time I went outside
Met the devil in the garden, think I'll stay indoors (x 2)

And he said "Aren't you lucky? Look at all I've given you!"
He said "Why aren't you happy with all that you have there?
Look at your husband, look at your child, look at the sunshine, the sky is blue!
All of the lonely, all of the poor, they would be grateful if they were you."

And he said "To be a wife and mother is to justify your destiny."
He said "Wives and mothers are the future of the world.
Look at your husband and his career - he needs a steady base on which to build
And as your child grows with love behind him you'll feel content then, you'll feel fulfilled."

And he said "Look at your knitting - look at your sewing!
Look at those jams you've made, the bread you've baked!
You're a creator, you are a poet, you are an artist, you are a wife.
Why should you worry about your silly dreams, why should you feel it's been a wasted life?"

And now each morning my husband wonders why I stay
Beneath the covers, not wanting to see the light
Hiding from shadows, afraid of the open space, keeping my hands full, closing down
Keeping the Devil out, running from choices, talking through silences, not turning round.

credits

from Singing on the Wind, released August 5, 2021
Mike O'Connor - fiddle. Steafan Hannigan - percussion (congas, snare and triangle) and banjo. Terry Mann - bass.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Anne Lister image

Anne Lister Wales, UK

Anne is best known for her song "Icarus", recorded and performed by a number of different singers, including Martin Simpson and Nic Jones. "Astrolabe" is her ninth solo album.

contact / help

Contact Anne Lister

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Anne Lister, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Fabiana Palladino stops by to talk about her mesmeric debut LP.
listen now