Grey concrete under my boots
Deep in the city's old roots
Blue smoke from a distant street
Cold air makes the winter sweet
I watch the slate rooftops glow
While the heavy river flows slow
One silver key in my hand
The quietest guard in the land
Brass locks and a heavy chain
Fresh scent of the evening rain
Zinc tiles in a jagged row
Watching the amber lamps go
I watch the slate rooftops glow
While the heavy river flows slow
One silver key in my hand
The quietest guard in the land
Old hymn tunes I used to know
Soft winds make the lanterns blow
Iron rails cold to the touch
Small moments that mean so much
I watch the slate rooftops glow
While the heavy river flows slow
One silver key in my hand
The quietest guard in the land
Dark velvet across the sky
White birds in a circle fly
One cup of black coffee steam
Waking from a heavy dream
I watch the slate rooftops glow
While the heavy river flows slow
One silver key in my hand
The quietest guard in the land
Just the key in my hand.
Quiet guard in the land.
