Orderville

Listen to a demo version of "Orderville," the seventh song on Scenes from an Icelandic Novel.

Orderville

About the reverend of the town who ignores the rumours of adultery, essentially becoming an accomplice to the crimes.

Provincial preacher unprepared
Feigning unaware
Locked away inside the house of prayer
Green-lighting the whole affair

The good book talks of good and evil
But in between is where live the people
So you don't want to hear the choir sing?
(That doesn't mean it isn't happening)
Just can't stand a confrontation
Within a happy congregation
Turn your head, close your eyes
Later, you'll apologise

Look at the poor thing trembling
Gold is fading from her wedding ring
Hold your tongue like you held her hand
All the while she was choking on sand
In the great beyond we'll stand accused
Another one of your limp excuses
If the blame lies with the whole damn nation
Your hands are stained by association

You should have listened to Admiral Burke
(Help with the burden to make it alright)
Then maybe, baby, fewer people would have been hurt
(Shepherds will watch as you sleep in the night)
But it's all over now, you've done more than avow
And the thought of it just brings a chill
Things like this don't happen in Orderville!