DESCRIPTION:
The silent prophet
seeks his inspiration after midnight
with a candle lit for comfort
in the shadow of the shade

Belladonna
waves a parasol beneath the window
so enchanting and inviting
in the scheme that she has laid

The lonely prophet
waves to Belladonna from the window
in the hope that she will notice
and may wish to know his name

But cruel Belladonna
turns to face the waiting sunrise
with its promise of excitement
thinking little of the game

Shine your lantern brighty
Do not heed the darkness lighty
We must always talk politely
In the presence of the night
Deadly nightshade
hear me calling
shadows of the evening
falling down

The quiet prophet
gathers up his papers for the fire
He alone will read the message
in the words that he has burned

Belladona tries the door
to find the room is empty
and she coldly rakes the ashes
for the love that she has spurned

Shine your lantern brightly
Do not heed the darkness lightly
We must always talk politely
In the presence of the night
Deadly nightshade
hear me calling
shadows of the evening
falling down

Deadly nightshade
hear me calling
shadows of the evening
falling down

from the album "Deadlines" (1978)
Songwriter: Dave Cousins

Tracks:

Side one

"No Return" (Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert) -- 4:57
"Joey and Me" (Cousins, Chas Cronk, Lambert) -- 3:52
"Sealed With a Traitor's Kiss" (Cousins) -- 3:21
"I Don't Want to Talk About It" (Cousins, Cronk) -- 3:56
"The Last Resort" (Cousins, Cronk, Lambert) -- 4:10

Side two

"Time and Life" (Cousins, Cronk) -- 4:11
"New Beginnings" (Cousins, Lambert) -- 3:40
"Deadly Nightshade" (Cousins) -- 3:56
"Words of Wisdom" (Cousins) -- 5:48

Members:
Dave Cousins (lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar)
Dave Lambert (lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars)
Chas Cronk (backing vocals, bass and acoustic guitars
Robert Kirby (piano, electric piano, mellotron, organ, autoharp)
John Mealing ( piano, polymoog, minimoog, harpsichord)
Tony Fernandez ( drums, tambourine, tympani, bells)

Info from http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1105828/a/Deadlines.htm
DEADLINES is a pure prog-pop album with no folk elements whatsoever, even on a cover of the folk-pop standard "I Don't Want to Talk About It." Deadlines CD music It could just as well be by Klaatu or 10cc. On the other hand, Klaatu and 10cc are fine bands, and even during the Sandy Denny years, the Strawbs were never interested in folk purism. "Joey and Me" and the atmospheric "Deadly Nightshade" are particular highlights.