Turning Blind in the Freeze

[Intro] [Ride bell, then two bars of octave lead; chugs and drums enter] [Chorus] Crack in the rail where the cold steel bends Flag that line before the first train sends Dispatch says open, i say hold that track Morning is coming—i'm not turning back [Verse 1] Last crew out, the platform sealed Lamp in my hand, boots on the field At marker nine, a hairline split I tap the rail; the fracture answers it [Chorus] Crack in the rail where the cold steel bends Flag that line before the first train sends Dispatch says open, i say hold that track Morning is coming—i'm not turning back [Verse 2] Radio spits, “we’re clear to run” I shout, “not yet—this line is done” They want the gates up, the timetable fed I’m driving a red flag through the dead-end shed [Guitar solo] [Piercing melodic guitar solo over tight chugging rhythm] [Chorus] Crack in the rail where the cold steel bends Flag that line before the first train sends Dispatch says open, i say hold that track Morning is coming—i'm not turning back [Outro] Red flag down, the signal holds No wheels roll over fractured steel Hold that line till daylight clears