He counts the steps on iron bridge so high
Fog rolls thick through Amsterdam sky
Each footfall marks the piston's steady beat
Wrench times the turn with hands that know the heat
Nitrous breathes in deep winter night
Footsteps mark the engine's bite
Bridge and motor share the beat
Where the canal shadows meet
Lamp oil scent mixes with gasoline
Salt air blends with the machine's black sheen
Keeper's hands know every bolt and gear
Steel sings out on winter's frozen pier
Nitrous breathes in deep winter night
Footsteps mark the engine's bite
Bridge and motor share the beat
Where the canal shadows meet
Crankshaft hums a low and steady tune
Footsteps fade beneath the rising moon
Mechanic works until the night is done
Dawn breaks slow but he has barely won
No beacon sweeps this dark waterway
Just headlights cutting through the gray
But rhythm finds a common sway
In the turning of the new-born day
Bolt by bolt the raw power grows
Footsteps return as morning shows
Engine wakes with thunder in its throat
Strength released from iron's heavy coat
Nitrous breathes in deep winter night
Footsteps mark the engine's bite
Bridge and motor share the beat
Where the canal shadows meet
Old keeper nods at the job well done
Footsteps cross the bridge at rising sun
Morning clears the fog from canal run
Mechanic watches as the day's begun
Nitrous breathes in deep winter night
Footsteps mark the engine's bite
Bridge and motor share the beat
Where the canal shadows meet
Nitrous breathes in deep winter night
Footsteps mark the engine's bite
Engine rests in morning light
Morning light on calm water
