It takes its time, Anna

And it never forgets

It's lived too long and it loves you the best

If you need a world, Anna

I have one prepared

Where we needn't be lonely and we needn't be scared

Tonight, my thought's got you

In a Victorian dress

Prettier than the rest

They have built for you

A palace made of gold

And it follows you where you go

It fights its wars, Anna

And it's never known less

It's had its time, now it wants all the rest

If you need a world, Anna

I've let one grow wild

Each year that goes by, it loves you all the while

Your memory's clothed in years

Now, I'm watching it undress

Prettier than the rest

Your coals I often rake

But you only turn to flame

Under the guillotine blade

It fights its wars, Anna

And it's never known less

It's had its time, now it wants all the rest

If you need a world, Anna

I've let one grow wild

Each year that goes by, it loves you all the while