My meter ticks on the Damrak side
No fare today just the turning tide
I know the weight of a heavy wait
Bridge opens slow seals the heavy gate
Hold her steady captain hold the line
Bridge clearance coming give it time
Thrusters breathing in the winter grey
We'll pass the center when the gates give way
My hull knows every cobblestone quay
Four generations steering free
The fog horns moan a low cello note
I check the gauges check the boat
Hold her steady captain hold the line
Bridge clearance coming give it time
Thrusters breathing in the winter grey
We'll pass the center when the gates give way
My father drove when the coal dust flew
He said son the bridge decides for you
No use in cursing the rising mist
Patience pays when the iron's kissed
Hold her steady captain hold the line
Bridge clearance coming give it time
Thrusters breathing in the winter grey
We'll pass the center when the gates give way
Wheels stop turning props keep spinning
Water waiting no beginning
Meter frozen clock face cracked
Green light burning forward tracked
The siren screams the steel arms rise
Grey water opens to the skies
I nudge the stick the bow cuts clean
Best ride this city's ever seen
Hold her steady captain hold the line
Bridge clearance coming give it time
Thrusters breathing in the winter grey
We pass the center gates give way
Green light flashes on the stern
Amsterdam lets us take our turn
