[Verse 1]
Fog on the levee,
draggin' my name.
Mud on my heels
and a debt to my frame.
The town gone quiet,
like it know my sin.
I hear that river
call me back again.
[Pre-Chorus]
Crossroad fire
burned in my palm.
I begged for mercy,
held my calm.
[Chorus]
Pay me in truth
or pay me in bone.
Pay me in truth
I won't go home.
Midnight, baby,
I know your face.
Mercy and revenge
share the same grave.
[Verse 2]
Old porch boards
groan like pride.
Black-water church
and a wounded bride.
I was raised on hymns
and a razor's edge.
Now the moon keep watch
on the levee ledge.
My mama said,
"Girl, don't you stay."
But every hard lie
knows my way.
[Pre-Chorus]
Crossroad fire
still in my hand.
One step forward
and I might stand.
[Chorus]
Pay me in truth
or pay me in bone.
Pay me in truth
I won't go home.
Midnight, baby,
I know your face.
Mercy and revenge
share the same grave.
[Bridge]
Let the bells talk low,
let the dark come near.
I been split in two
for a crooked year.
If I turn back now,
I lose my name.
If I walk on through,
I feed the flame.
[Chorus]
Pay me in truth
or pay me in bone.
Pay me in truth
I won't go home.
Midnight, baby,
I know your face.
Mercy and revenge
share the same grave.