Through the Falling Tide

[Intro] [Verse 1] Rain needles down on the lockside rail The ground paddle strips with a toothless wail A loaded barge waits, ropes pulled tight While the level keeps sinking out of sight [Chorus] Turn it by hand, keep the water in line One iron arm and a borrowed spine Hold that boat till the gates swing wide We’ll move this weight through the falling tide [Verse 2] I brace my boots where the slick stones shine Crank the paddle against its bind The keeper shouts, “there’s a queue behind!” I shout back, “then give me room and time!” [Chorus] Turn it by hand, keep the water in line One iron arm and a borrowed spine Hold that boat till the gates swing wide We’ll move this weight through the falling tide [Guitar solo] [Bridge] The chain pulls hard, the handle bucks The barge holds fast in the draining cut No gear to save us, no dry ground Just one more turn till the lock comes round [Chorus] Turn it by hand, keep the water in line One iron arm and a borrowed spine Hold that boat till the gates swing wide We’ll move this weight through the falling tide Turn it by hand—don’t let it slide We’ll move this weight through the falling tide