Oh the sisters of mercy,   They are not departed or gone.   They were waiting for me    When I thought that I just can't go on.   And they brought me their comfort    And later they brought me this song.   Oh I hope you run into them,    You who've been traveling so long.      Yes you who must leave everything   That you cannot control.   It begins with your family,   But soon it comes around to your soul.   Well I've been where you're hanging,   I think I can see how you're pinned:   When you're not feeling holy,   Your loneliness says that you've sinned.      Well they lay down beside me,   I made my confession to them.   They touched both my eyes    And I touched the dew on their hem.   If your life is a leaf that the seasons   Tear off and condemn   They will bind you with love that is   Graceful and green as a stem.      When I left they were sleeping,    I hope you run into them soon.   Don't turn on the lights,   You can read their address by the moon.   And you won't make me jealous   if I hear that they sweetened your night:   We weren't lovers like that    And besides it would still be all right,   We weren't lovers like that   And besides it would still be all right.