I held the monkey's paw and put my wishes into play To know the will of God, to show a motive for delay I'm holding on to find myself just one more wish I found a pot of gold or something shining anyway And caught in my reflection a conviction held at bay I crafted a cross to adorn my neck and finally earned my due respect And then a jewel encrusted crown to complement my priestly gown Just big enough to weigh me down And bring this temple to the ground From inside out without a sound I found a pot of gold today I held the monkey's paw I held the monkey's paw I held the monkey's paw I held the monkey's paw today and put my wishes into play Thanked heaven for the trophies but I still had hell to pay So I brought my spoils to the altar's edge heard you say obey instead For all of my labors and best laid plans I'd only earned a reprimand Forevermore to understand That dreams come true can kill a man If never graced by sovereign hands I held the monkey's paw