Torch Against the Iron

[Intro] [Verse 1] Cold water presses through the plates My lamp cuts a narrow lane The helmet fogs with every breath I wipe the glass and look again The pipeline groans beneath my knees A black seam waits against the steel I brace my wrist against the tide And make my shaking fingers still [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, the line must seal One clean pass through the iron skin Up there, they’re counting every minute Down here, i have to finish this Hold fast, hold fast, don’t let it fail Keep the arc steady, keep it true When the last bright thread is finished I’ll give the signal back to you [Verse 2] My glove catches on a jagged flange Cold finds the gap along my sleeve The gauge light trembles in the murk I count each breath i have to keep A cable pulls against my back The surface crew is standing by I set the torch against the joint And let the shaking pass me by [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, the line must seal One clean pass through the iron skin Up there, they’re counting every minute Down here, i have to finish this Hold fast, hold fast, don’t let it fail Keep the arc steady, keep it true When the last bright thread is finished I’ll give the signal back to you [Breakdown] No room to turn No room to run One seam left One job undone Steady hands Breathe and begin Close the steel Keep the sea out [Guitar solo] [Chorus] Hold fast, hold fast, the line is sealed One clean pass through the iron skin Up there, i feel the cable tighten Down here, the dark gives way a little Hold fast, hold fast, the signal’s sent The final bead is holding true Pull me up through the cold black water I’m coming back to you [Outro] The cable draws me toward the dawn The seam stays closed beneath the sea