Cobblestones remember every fare
You drove the nights through mist and glare
The Seine reflects the copper light
This terrace holds the quiet height
Your taxi sleeps beside the rail
Brass key rests on zinc and slate
No door to turn no lock to wait
Paris rooftops breathe in grey
You know the roads that lead away
The meter's silent done with play
Your hands still know the wheel's worn grain
Ten thousand nights of frost and rain
A passenger left this behind
Brass teeth cut clean for locks unlined
The fare was paid in coins and time
Brass key rests on zinc and slate
No door to turn no lock to wait
Paris rooftops breathe in grey
You know the roads that lead away
The meter's silent done with play
The meter clicks a lullaby
Beneath the cathedral sky
You count the euros count the years
This key outlives the locked doors' tears
No engine hums no tires scream
Brass key rests on zinc and slate
No door to turn no lock to wait
Paris rooftops breathe in grey
You know the roads that lead away
The meter's silent done with play
Tourists snap the iron view
But you see what the stones knew
A key without a mouth to speak
Rests where the chimney stacks stand steep
Your pockets hold no next address
Morning breaks on Mansard roofs
The key catches morning's clues
No doorframe wears its polished shine
But you have driven every line
The fare is paid the engine rests
Now parked beside the terrace rail
You trace the key's cold brass detail
No destination left to find
Just Paris breathing in your mind
The brass grows warm in palm's embrace
Brass key rests on zinc and slate
No door to turn no lock to wait
Paris rooftops breathe in grey
You know the roads that lead away
The meter stops the night is done
Key on stone the drive ends
Paris keeps what you defend
