[Verse 1]
I hear claws on the concrete
Smell sulfur in the rain
Ash footprints on my doorstep
They came here knowing my name
Shadow teeth in the doorway
Eyes like open graves
They circle
Patient and smiling
Like wolves that finally ate
[Chorus]
But I will pet the hounds of Hell
Stroke the fire from their backs
If this is how my story ends
Let it end like that
Put my hand in the burning jaws
Hear them growl
“You’re ours
You fell”
I’m still scratching behind their ears
I still pet the hounds of Hell
[Verse 2]
One lays down on my carpet
Tail thumping on the floor
Drool dripping
Pitch-black and steaming
Charred fur
I still want more
I name each ugly angel
I joke
“You’re kinda cute”
They laugh with thunder in their throats
Say
“We’ve waited long for you”
[Chorus]
‘Cause I will pet the hounds of Hell
Kiss the embers on their snouts
If mercy never learned my face
I’ll go laughing
Heading south
Put my head on their armored chests
Feel that furnace start to swell
If something’s here to tear me apart
I still pet the hounds of Hell
[Bridge]
Come fetch me
Come get me (come on)
I’m the fool who holds out treats
To the teeth under the sheets
If I’m prey
I’m still play (still play)
I was born to love the things
That were built to eat my wings
[Chorus]
So I will pet the hounds of Hell
While they drag me through the dirt
Run my fingers through the coals
Say
“Do your holy worst”
Let the chains wrap ‘round my legs
Let the bells of judgment yell
I’ll be laughing in the firelight
Still petting the hounds of Hell (yeah)