Swing the Lamp Against Rain

[Intro] [Verse 1] Rain drums hard on the south-side grate I’m at the panel when the breaker trips Pump one dies with a shudder and a click Red lamp burns; the level starts to climb [Chorus] Crank it open! take the chain in both hands! Gate won’t budge and the water’s at my knees Control room says, “discharge levels fine” Come down here and tell that to the stream! [Verse 2] Mud packs tight around the handwheel teeth I lean my weight till the steel gives way One quarter turn, then the handle locks I kick it loose; the channel starts to drain [Chorus] Crank it open! take the chain in both hands! Gate won’t budge and the water’s at my knees Control room says, “discharge levels fine” Come down here and tell that to the stream! [Guitar solo] [Verse 3] Rain runs cold through the cuffs of my coat The gate crawls wide beneath my shoulder’s strain I count each turn against the pump-house roar Till the rising mark slips back below the line [Chorus] Crank it open! take the chain in both hands! Gate won’t budge and the water’s at my knees Control room says, “discharge levels fine” Come down here and tell that to the stream! [Outro] The wheel holds fast; the channel runs I leave my gloves beside the panel light