They strained too long from the fountain
And all the while
All the while they longed for us
But I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
No, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
Till the water's all long gone
And you, my sweet flower
And how you proved more sweet by the hour
And loath those eyes, loath those eyes
To lose you
My tender rose, my slender rose, my darling
My tender rose, my slender rose, my? Darling
But my darlin's long long long...
They came down from the mountains
They strained too long from the fountain
Oh my girl, oh my love, I've lost you
But I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
No, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't betray, I won't
Till the water's all long gone
The Decemberists are an American indie rock band from Portland, Oregon, formed in 2000. The band consists of Colin Meloy (lead vocals, guitar, principal songwriter), Chris Funk (guitar, multi-instrumentalist), Jenny Conlee (piano, keyboards, accordion, backing vocals), Nate Query (bass), and John Moen (drums).
The band has released eight studio albums, to date, with their lyrics often focusing on historical incidents and folklore. Audience participation is a part of their live performances, typically during encores. The band stages whimsical reenactments of sea battles and other centuries-old events, typically of regional interest, or acts out songs with members of the crowd.
In 2011, the track "Down by the Water" from their album, The King Is Dead, was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 54th Grammy Awards.
