Swans of Kantor

[Verse 1]
They say in the duchy of Kantor
Even liars tell the truth for a while
Gold-haired charmers on balconies
Practice every look
Every smile
Swans on their sleeves like a blessing
Pale thread on a dark wool coat
They laugh in a dozen dialects
And still find the words I choke
[Chorus]
Swans of Kantor
Circling the palace gate
Turn my anger into answers
Turn my fury into faith
I was ready for a war
You just tilted your head and spoke
Swans of Kantor
And my bravest vows went up in smoke
[Verse 2]
You walk through the market at midday
And even the hawkers fall quiet
You bargain in favors
Not silver
Trade secrets for peace
Not for riot
You say
“We just herd all the heartbreaks
Keep them grazing near the crown”
Beautiful diplomats
Gentle hands
Guiding all our grudges down
[Chorus]
Swans of Kantor
Circling the palace gate
Turn my anger into answers
Turn my fury into faith
I was ready for a war
You just tilted your head and spoke
Swans of Kantor
And my bravest vows went up in smoke
[Bridge]
Is it blessed
Is it cursed
This gift to bend any heart?
If you charm an entire kingdom
Do you ever know your own part? (oh)
Kantor in every rumor
Kantor in every toast
I don’t know if I hate you
Or if I need you the most
[Chorus]
Swans of Kantor
Teach my stubborn tongue to fold
All my sharp
Unfinished edges
Fall like coins of wasted gold
I was marching to the border
Now I’m dancing in your cloak
Swans of Kantor
And my careful wrath dissolves in smoke

folk, Emo-tinged indie folk with female vocals; picked acoustic guitar, soft floor toms, and bowed strings under the choruses. Verses stay hushed and intimate, almost whispered; choruses bloom with layered harmonies and a mournful, anthemic lift. Subtle swan-motif backing vocals in the bridge, roomy reverb for a storybook-turned-haunted vibe., emo, beautiful