"Lady in Black" is a song by the rock band Uriah Heep. It is the fourth track of their 1971 album Salisbury.

The song is credited to Ken Hensley. It tells the story of a man wandering through war-torn darkness and encountering a goddess-like entity who consoles him. It is often praised, by fans and critics alike, as Hensley's most poetic work to date.

Lyrics

She came to me one morning

One lonely Sunday morning

Her long hair flowing in the mid-winter wind

I know not how she found me

For in darkness I was walking

And destruction lay around me

From a fight I could not win

Ah, ah, ah

She asked me name my foe then

I said the need within some men

To fight and kill their brothers without thought of men or God

And I begged her give me horses

To trample down my enemies

So eager was my passion to devour this waste of life

Ah, ah, ah

But she would not think of battle that

Reduces men to animals

So easy to begin and yet impossible to end

For she the mother of all men

Had counciled me so wisely that

I feared to walk alone again

And asked if she would stay

Ah, ah, ah

Oh, lady, lend your hand, I cried

Oh, let me rest here at your side

Have faith and trust in me, she said and filled my heart with life

There is no strength in numbers

I've no such misconceptions

But when you need me be assured I won't be far away

Ah, ah, ah

Thus having spoke she turned away

And though I found no words to say

I stood and watched until I saw her black cloak disappear

My labor is no easier

But now I know I'm not alone

I find new heart each time I think upon that windy day

And if one day she comes to you

Drink deeply from her words so wise

Take courage from her as your prize and say hello for me

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

Songwriters: Ken Hensley

Lady in Black lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC