Lyrics
Young Paul decides upon a future
Young Paul makes a decision about his future.
And he asks from her a favor
He requests a favor from someone (possibly a woman).
He wants to know if she will tell him
He wants to know if she can inform him about his destiny, whether he is destined for Hell or Heaven.
If he's for Hell or he's for Heaven
The outcome of his fate is uncertain, and he seeks clarification.
If he's for Hell he'll show no sorrow
If he is destined for Hell, he will not express sorrow until his rebirth the next day.
Until he's born again tomorrow
Emphasizes the cyclical nature of his potential suffering.
If he's for Heaven there's no reason
If he is destined for Heaven, there is no need to mourn the changing seasons.
To lament the passing season
Suggests a positive and unchanging state in Heaven.
She says, Don't be a fool, son
The woman advises Paul not to be foolish and mentions the absence of strict rules.
There aren't any rules, son
Indicating a sense of freedom and lack of constraints.
And as she spoke
She begins speaking, and as a result...
He lost his faith
Paul loses his faith, possibly due to what she reveals.
He asked her name, she told him Laurie
Paul inquires about her name, and she identifies herself as Laurie.
Proceeded to give him her life story
She proceeds to share her life story with Paul.
She was a teacher and a scholar
Laurie was a teacher and scholar, honored with a statue.
They built a statue in her honor
Recognition of Laurie's achievements.
Then she became a slave in ancient Athens
Laurie unexpectedly becomes a slave in ancient Athens.
She doesn't know quite how it happened
Uncertainty surrounds the circumstances of her enslavement.
Now she paints faces in the city
Laurie is currently engaged in painting faces in the city, enhancing the beauty of less attractive girls.
Making all those ugly girls look pretty
Describes Laurie's current occupation.
She says, Look at this town, son
Laurie encourages Paul to observe the town and questions the need for salvation.
Take a good luck around, son
Advises Paul to take a good look around, emphasizing the town's nature.
Why should anyone here be saved?
Raises a philosophical question about salvation in the town.
So he says, Every crooked lane that you can see
Paul responds by stating that every place, no matter how flawed, is a home for creatures he loves.
Every open home, every hollow tree
Enumerates various places that are considered homes for beloved creatures.
Is a home for creatures loved by me
Expresses Paul's affection for these creatures.
And oh to be counted among them
Expresses a desire to be counted among these creatures.
Among them
Repeats the longing to be counted among them.
Oh to be counted among them
Reiterates the wish to be counted among the creatures.
Among them
Repeats the desire to be counted among them.
Oh to be counted among them
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