Crank the Gate Before the Town

[Intro] [Verse 1] The gauge glass ticks past the painted line Rain has been working the ridge all night The town keeps calling on the county set “Give us the level—how high is it yet?” [Chorus] I read the rise, i call it through The river’s got a road to choose Hand on the crank, eyes on the seam Open the gate before it takes the town downstream [Verse 2] Headlamp shakes on the rusted wheel Each tooth catches; i lean in hard Water climbs where the numbers end The radio asks me again and again [Chorus] I read the rise, i call it through The river’s got a road to choose Hand on the crank, eyes on the seam Open the gate before it takes the town downstream [Guitar solo] [Bridge] One turn—hold fast Two turns—hear it strain The gate gives way And the channel takes the weight I key the mic: “level’s falling now” [Chorus] I read the rise, i call it through The river’s got a road to choose Hand on the crank, eyes on the seam Open the gate; let the current run downstream