Querencia

There is a word that the matador knows
A point in each fight where the bull will slow
Querencia…querencia

Where for a reason that they can’t explain
The beast feels safe from all the rage and pain
Querencia…querencia

Kill him, kill him they cried… judge and jury
But he would not be denied sanctuary
Sanctuary

Where there is solace for the heaving chest
Where there is stillness and a moment’s rest
Querencia…querencia
Amid the ranting of the rabid crowd
He spurns the taunting of the scarlet shroud
Querencia…querencia

Kill him, kill him they cried… judge and jury
But he would not be denied sanctuary
Sanctuary

This is the time when he's most dangerous
This is the moment he will not fear us
Querencia…querencia

As though preparing for the final length
He gathers up himself and all his strength
Querencia…querencia

Bearers of a mystic silence
Wherein spirit is revealed
None outside can do it violence
It is our comfort and our shield

The sweat and blood were streaming down his face
And yet he stood there in a state of grace
Querencia…querencia

And when I close my eyes I still can see
The sad and gentle way he looked at me
Querencia…querencia

Kill him, kill him they cried… judge and jury
But he would not be denied sanctuary
Sanctuary

There is a word that the matador knows
A place in each ring where the bull will slow
Querencia…querencia


© 1998 Flying Stone Music