James-Polymer

Verse 1: Tangled wires twist far out of sight fraying threads linking diamonds of light Rusted cables reach up to the sky strings of sinew, stretching, cracked and dry   Broken glass crunches under your feet glinting carpets scattered on the streets Cold wind rakes the dust across your skin silence, screaming louder than the din   Chorus: Past the iron gates that broke the tide lies the city’s carcass, yawning wide In the keep there sits an empty throne resplendent in this kingdom of bones   Verse 2: Streaks of rust cascade from darkened lights only stars pierce through the veil of night Cats and dogs play chase in quiet slums thin and balding rats pick at the crumbs   Bare and broken trees claw at the sky scraping at the void where vultures fly Whisps of smoke curl up from blackened frames gaping mouths cry out, and curse, your name   Chorus: Past the iron gates that broke the tide lies the city’s carcass, yawning wide In the keep there sits an empty throne resplendent in this kingdom

Verse 1: Those beacons in the night dancing like fairy lights Each a kaleidoscope of red and blue   They’re streaming down the street a mirage in summer’s heat Chasing dancing shadows the whole night through   With nervous surgeons’ care they search holes round and square Where the rats and wharf-less wanderers lurk   Thunder and gouts of flame echo just out of frame Mark the beginnings of a good night’s work   Verse 2: Those beacons in the night flitting just out of sight A pack of starving wolves circling their prey   Like heathens in the flood through waters tinged with blood Shark-toothed grins knifing through the salty spray   At morning’s light they’re praised with flags and truncheons raised Iron fists all dressed up in velvet gloves   In corners draped and dark cold embers find their spark Tremors rise to the streets so far above   Verse 3: The picket lines are drawn with the breaking of dawn The bulls meet face-to-face and lock their horns   And tremors shake the

Verse 1: The battle’s over, but you’re still marching Down underneath the ticker-tape parade They play a fanfare, but you’re not listening Around you, all the sounds begin to fade   They give their speeches; you get your medals Beneath its weight, you’re swaying where you stand Before the cameras, before the nation In this desert, you’re just a grain of sand   Chorus: There’s no more singing in the choir; There’s no more laughter upon the stage There’s no more praying in the chapel; There’s no more story, so turn the page   Verse 2: The war is over but you’re still fighting Advance goes further uphill every day Their eyes are staring, but they’re not seeing Flinching with every wicked word you say   The mud gets deeper; the wind grows colder Each night you tremble, curled up in your bed A wrinkled hand rests upon your shoulder And together, you toast the honored dead   Chorus: There’s no more singing in the choir; There’s no more laughter upon the stage There’s no

Verse 1: Your shift is over now; it’s time to punch the clock Take one last look around and mark what’s left in stock   Switch off the neon signs and sweep the dust away Gaze out on the sunset, Then draw the window shades   Chorus: Turn out the lights and lock the doors; Leave things quiet and still, like they were before   The lots empty out as the west winds blow; Offer a silent thanks as you turn and go…   Verse 2: Your stint has ended, now; time to give up the ghost Pour yourself some champagne, and make your final toast   Douse all the pilot lights and chain the factory doors Pull the casket lid down, and hear the bearers mourn   Chorus: Turn out the lights and lock the doors; Leave things quiet and still, like they were before   The lots empty out as the west winds blow; Offer a silent thanks as you turn and go…   Verse 3: This race has run its course the world's turned on its head The plebs and priests come out chanting for “Blood” and “Bread”   Switch off the phone exchange and

Verse 1 - I’m standing on the lighthouse looking out upon the bay The waves all come crashing in, bleeding out their salty spray The lamp shines like a diamond piercing through the coal-black night But I see nothing out there, no ships to answer the light. Chorus - Am I drifting, am I floating? Am I awake, or am I dead? Is that the compass spinning ‘round? Is that a voice inside my head? Verse 2 - I’m perched atop the lighthouse staring out across the sea The seagulls cry in mourning, then one by one, they fly free My eyes are red and burning, my brow pressed against the glass But I see no-one out there, while the stars go sailing past. Chorus - Am I drifting, am I floating? Am I awake, or am I dead? Is that the compass spinning ‘round? Is that a voice inside my head? Verse 3 - I'm descending the lighthouse headed for the great unknown Bricks and windows rush on by to the cliffs the ‘gulls have flown Eyes shut tight, I reach the beach; hands held high, I kiss the