The Screen Says Green

[Intro] [Distorted bass alone, low syncopated figure] [Two clipped guitar stabs; tom hit] [Drums enter, tight backbeat] Gate says open— [Verse 1] Red needle steady at the panel glass Megawatts climbing like they always have But i know that shudder in the steel below That gate is moving where it shouldn’t go The town keeps calling, “can you check the level?” I say, “stand by,” as the warning lights bevel Control room says, “the numbers look fine” I grab my lamp and leave the line [Chorus] Turn that wheel—hold the river back! [Hold it back!] Climb that shaft—hear the iron crack! [Iron crack!] The screen says open, but the gate says no I’m taking the handwheel down below Turn that wheel—keep the water in line! [Keep it in line!] Town on the phone and we’re out of time [Verse 2] Rungs slick with spray in the access shaft Each turn of the crank takes all i have The indicator’s smiling green and bright While the chain pulls hard against the light “Your megawatt reading’s holding,” they say I shout, “then tell me why the gate gives way!” A voice from downstream asks, “what’s the level now?” I brace my boots and lean into the bar [Chorus] Turn that wheel—hold the river back! [Hold it back!] Climb that shaft—hear the iron crack! [Iron crack!] The screen says open, but the gate says no I’m taking the handwheel down below Turn that wheel—keep the water in line! [Keep it in line!] Town on the phone and we’re out of time [Guitar solo] [Bridge] No green light can measure the pull in the chain No calm voice can call this safe again I set my shoulder; the wheel gives one inch The gate holds still—i don’t let it slip [Final chorus] Turn that wheel—hold the river back! [Hold it back!] Climb that shaft—hear the iron crack! [Iron crack!] The screen says open, but the gate says no I’m taking the handwheel down below Turn that wheel—keep the water in line! [Keep it in line!] Town on the phone—tell them we’re holding the line! [Outro] Gate holds steady—read it again Gate holds steady—tell the town