I live in the damp of the floor
Below the heavy oak door
The basement smells like old beer
I keep the steady beat here
The copper strings start to fray
I pull the tension today
The Chicago wind hits the glass
I watch the city cars pass
Tighten the peg for the sound
Hold the low octave profound
Strike the high ivory key
Finally setting it free
The tuner has callused old skin
Where the jazz melodies begin
He breathes like a slow steady root
In a worn out charcoal grey suit
The copper strings start to fray
I pull the tension today
The Chicago wind hits the glass
I watch the city cars pass
Tighten the peg for the sound
Hold the low octave profound
Strike the high ivory key
Finally setting it free
I feel the vibrations in wood
Doing the things that I should
Like soil that absorbs every drop
The rhythmic pulsing won't stop
Saturated preamp clipping loud
A sonic wall a velvet cloud
From the basement to the street
The motorized driving beat
Tighten the peg for the sound
Hold the low octave profound
Strike the high ivory key
Finally setting it free
The felt hammer hits the steel wire
Lighting a musical fire
The baritone voice starts to climb
Keeping the perfect set time
Tighten the peg for the sound
Hold the low octave profound
Strike the high ivory key
Finally setting it free
Tuning the wire.
Tuning the wire.
Tighten the peg.
The felt hammer.
