Natalie Merchant - Pit Viper lyrics

[Verse:] In the cruel garrison of affection If worth of lore is true You know the face of a temptress A pit viper A witch or enchantress A pit viper With the malign venom of conceit She tries civil men To conceal fear And misgivings When night greets them A deeper chill sustains And stains her With darkness The d**h blow Know this skin does not restrict her She'll tear and shed the coil The fall of garland leaves Below the soil