Keep the Bell Ringing

[Ներածություն] [Pick scrape, bass thud, one dragged bent chug, drums enter] [Տուն 1] County road, school bell, monday morning air I back the rig beside the ball field stairs The hose goes tight; the coupling starts to groan Black water climbs the pipe like it’s coming home [Նախաքնարերգ] I grab the valve with both hands, boots sunk in the clay The principal points through the window: “keep them there. they’ll stay.” [Կրկներգ] Hold that line, hold that line The tank is rising past the warning sign You keep them seated, i’ll keep this mess at bay With both hands on the valve till the tide gives way [Տուն 2] The clog spits back; the tank lip spills its load A sour flood crawls across the service road She shuts the blinds and calls it “just a smell” I wrench the handle while the bell rings out its knell [Կրկներգ] Hold that line, hold that line The tank is rising past the warning sign You keep them seated, i’ll keep this mess at bay With both hands on the valve till the tide gives way [Բրեյքդաուն] No one out No one moves I turn the wheel I clear the tube School stays shut behind the glass I hold the valve and let it pass [Guitar solo] [Կրկներգ] Hold that line, hold that line The tank is sinking past the warning sign The kids file out when the last drop drains away I wash my hands; the smell still rides the day [Ելք] The bus doors fold. the hose goes slack. I take the long road home.