Throw the Switch in the Storm

[Intro] [High harmonic, muted chug, dead stop; clipped triplets, drums enter] [Chorus] Hold that feeder, hold that line Rain comes hard across the yard Dispatch says, “keep the circuit live” Oil runs black beneath the guard I take the handle, brace my feet One hand, one call, one switch to throw If this transformer’s going down I open it by hand, in the storm [Verse 1] The alarm light blinked against the glass A silver thread ran down the tank I read the gauge, called it in The thunder swallowed half the thanks “Can you hold it?” came the voice “Town’s still drawing every amp” I shut my hood and crossed the gravel With the rain against the lamp [Chorus] Hold that feeder, hold that line Rain comes hard across the yard Dispatch says, “keep the circuit live” Oil runs black beneath the guard I take the handle, brace my feet One hand, one call, one switch to throw If this transformer’s going down I open it by hand, in the storm [Verse 2] The disconnect fought me in the weather Cold steel slick against my glove I checked the tag and watched the arc gap Kept my eyes on what i’d marked “Stay energized,” the center pleaded “Just another minute, stay” I answered, “there’s a leak at the seam” Then leaned my weight and broke the way [Guitar solo] [Chorus] Hold that feeder, hold that line Rain comes hard across the yard Dispatch says, “keep the circuit live” Oil runs black beneath the guard I take the handle, brace my feet One hand, one call, one switch to throw If this transformer’s going down I open it by hand, in the storm [Outro] The feeder drops; the yard goes still I call the center: “circuit clear” Rain keeps falling on the steel I’m standing here. i’m standing here.