Cut the Net Loose

[Intro] [Instrumental: two bars of high tremolo-picked guitar over rolling toms; full band enters] [Verse 1] Rain slicks the rail where the hillside bends The cable jumps and the car lurches again Tourists grip the brass as the windows shake I hear the operator say, “hold your place” I grab the wheel beneath the warning sign One hand on iron, one eye on the line [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, above the drop I turn the brake till the wheels lock Through the rain, through the strain, we bring you down One careful turn, one stubborn sound [Verse 2] He’s still on the intercom, arguing loud I shout back, “keep them seated, clear the crowd” The handle bites; my shoulder takes the strain The cable groans and sings against the rain A child counts each click from the car below I tell her, “that’s the way we go slow” [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, above the drop I turn the brake till the wheels lock Through the rain, through the strain, we bring you down One careful turn, one stubborn sound [Guitar solo] [Instrumental: wah-drenched lead guitar solo over driving gallops] [Bridge] The track runs steep, the clouds hang low The last bolt turns; the wheels move slow No grand salute, no victory call Just boots on stone and safe ground for all [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, above the drop I turn the brake till the wheels lock Through the rain, through the strain, we bring you down One careful turn, one stubborn sound Hold fast, hold fast, the car rolls clear The cable holds; the platform’s near Through the rain, through the strain, we bring you down One careful turn, one stubborn sound