Key in lock the gate gives way
Salt wind bites the exposed bay
Ferry cuts a white foam line
Opera sails catch final shine
Night shift starts on harbor time
[Pre-
Watch changes at the stroke of four
Light takes over from the shore
Keeper's pace not fast not slow
The harbor breathes at end of day
My lamp cuts through the cooling gray
Each sweep a promise each turn a prayer
That morning finds the harbor there
Boots on steel the catwalk rings
Logbook open pencil sings
Tide marks etched on concrete pilings
Night nurse checks her watch waiting
Harbor holds its breath listening
[Pre-
Container lights blink Morse code rows
Pilot boat comes comes and goes
Radar sweeps the channel clean
The harbor breathes at end of day
My lamp cuts through the cooling gray
Each sweep a promise each turn a prayer
That morning finds the harbor there
Thirty years on Bass Strait rock
Fog horn shook the window clock
Now I watch the city glow
Different light same watch to show
Salt stays in the bones you know
The harbor breathes at end of day
My lamp cuts through the cooling gray
Each sweep a promise each turn a prayer
That morning finds the harbor there
Thermos steam rises in the cold
Harbor stories left untold
Harbour Bridge throws diamond arc
Reflected deep a liquid mark
Morning comes on grey and gold
The harbor breathes at end of day
My lamp cuts through the cooling gray
Each sweep a promise each turn a prayer
That morning finds the harbor there
Eastern sky turns pearl and rose
Night shift ends the morning grows
Key turns quiet in the gate
Another watch has done its wait
Lamp goes dark the keeper goes
The harbor breathes at end of day
My lamp cuts through the cooling gray
Each sweep a promise each turn a prayer
That morning finds the harbor there
Lamp dimmed logbook closed day begins
Harbor breathes again the cycle wins
