I lay my coat upon a hill,
A stately sparrow I did kill.
"Oh, cruel and merciless", I did cry,
"Come kill me, I want to die."

(Chorus)
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have lost eternal peace.
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have lost eternal peace.

The life is ebbing out of me.
To depths I go, oh can't you see,
The birds will take me,
They've come at last.
Death approaches, it's coming fast.

(Chorus)
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have lost eternal peace.
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have lost eternal peace.

Stop and vision all the wrong,
That has been going on too long.
With reverend head I bow and pray.
Will it turn my mind to clay?

(Chorus)
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have lost eternal peace.
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have lost eternal peace.

Stop and look as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, you soon shall be.
Prepare for death and follow me.

(Chorus)
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have found eternal peace.
Oh dark and precious velvet fleece,
I have found eternal peace.