Cage Held Between the Levels

[Intro] [Chorus] Hold that cage between the levels Two lives waiting in the steel Hand on iron, turn the brake drum Keep it still—don't let it reel [Verse 1] The hoist rope groans above the shaft The cage hangs short of floor Two miners call through grating bars I brace against the roar The manual drum bites through my palms Each spoke a stubborn inch The headframe shakes; i hold the line And will not let it slip [Chorus] Hold that cage between the levels Two lives waiting in the steel Hand on iron, turn the brake drum Keep it still—don't let it reel [Verse 2] The shift boss has the phone pressed hard His voice cuts through the din “Restart the winder, clear the jam—” I shout, “they’re still within!” He wants the motor back online I keep the brake locked fast No turn of that great winding drum Until the men are past [Guitar solo] [Chorus] Hold that cage between the levels Two lives waiting in the steel Hand on iron, turn the brake drum Bring them up—bring them out safe [Outro] Brake stays set; the cage comes clear Two boots strike the landing here I let the handle turn no more And face the shift boss at the door