Lyrics

[Verse 1]

The last light dies on the riverbed,

The tangled branches meet overhead.

You leave the herd for a drink alone;

I slip between the roots and stone.

Two crests low where the pale reeds sway,

I let you drink. I let you stray.

You watch the bank, you watch the sky—

And let the quiet hunter by.

[Pre-Chorus]

One quick bite, then I disappear.

You stumble away. You think you’re clear.

But something moves where nothing stood—

And now my face fills every wood.

[Chorus]

Run from the rustle, run from the sound,

All of my shadows are closing around!

One on your left, two more on your right—

Which set of jaws will be real when they bite?

I bring the hunger. They bring the chase.

Wherever you turn, the night has my face!

[Verse 2]

The first comes charging; you stand and fight,

Your jaws snap shut on a mouthful of night.

The next one lunges; you wheel around,

Its feet leave nothing upon the ground.

You lash at a throat that was never there,

Your teeth meet mist and your claws meet air.

While all my doubles keep drawing your eyes,

I creep through the gap that your panic supplies.

[Pre-Chorus]

You’ve chased off three—but here come four.

You’ve checked that clearing twice before.

You cannot trust what your eyes can see;

You turn from them—and run toward me.

[Chorus]

Run from the rustle, run from the sound,

All of my shadows are closing around!

One on your left, two more on your right—

Which set of jaws will be real when they bite?

I bring the hunger. They bring the chase.

Wherever you turn, the night has my face!

[Bridge]

No hungry brothers answering my call.

One living hunter behind them all.

Yet shoulder to shoulder, they race at my side,

And follow you into the places you hide.

Stand still—hear breathing.

Run—hear claws.

Turn—see another

With wide-open jaws.

[Final Chorus]

Run from the rustle, run from the sound,

All of my shadows are closing around!

One on your left, two more on your right—

You’ve fought them for hours. I’ve waited all night.

Your legs start to buckle. I quicken my pace.

The last thing you see is the night with my face.

[Outro]

The Isle lies quiet.

The wind shakes the reeds.

My shadows fall silent.

The real hunter feeds.