[ Billy Bragg and Natalie Merchant ]. . Crowds gather round kneeling at the feet of common thieves. Hungry for the word but God would never speak through such as these. such as these. who offer healing hands and balms and redemption a few would cross. their palms. They'll tell your troubles to the Lord for how ever much you can afford. Hands holding hands in the circle of the sinners and the saints. Memories that linger from the cradle placing puzzles in the grave. in the grave. No mortal skin and bone can live on bread and circuses alone. The spirit needs must drive the mystery of why you're alive. CHORUS:. They look and their Book and they read. But their cold hearts say "Follow me". Dance in the dust in the frenzy of the desperately in need. Led by the voices of the men who invoke ritual to hide their greed. hide their greed. Come every tongue every eye across the crumbling earth and cracking skies. The gates of hell stand open wide but the path of glory you walk single. file. (Chorus). These men make a cage for the very souls that came here to be free. They turn off their lights for their tents they're fixing to leave. (Instrumental). Follow me. (Chorus 2x). They'll close their Book and leave but you'll remain still in pain.