I guess I should've told you
You'd be a fool to believe
My promiscuous phase was
Just-- a phase.

It's just my nature, I suppose.
And if I led you to believe
I was loyal, and kind, and true
Well, you should know:

I have sojourned 'mid strange fruit
Twisted mandrake by the root
Broken hearts without reprieve
Trained my glances to deceive

Marshalled falsehoods in neat ranks
Slipped my kisses cross the flanks
Of comely strangers, strangers' wives,
Scuttled countless blameless lives.

Enough of this:
Swallowed I have the bitter figs
Off withered trees where no tender
Sprout shoots, and blushing buds expire.

And such a bud
Am I. A steadfast girl does not
Open her throat to every bough's
Seed. I should have taught you-- You must learn.