He walks the line in heavy boots
Among the rusted iron roots
The fog is thick as winter cream
A silver ghost a metal dream
He counts the steps on gravel stone
A midnight kingdom all his own
The flashlight cuts a yellow slice
Through frozen air and jagged ice
Left foot right foot keep the pace
Walking through a velvet space
Counting down the iron line
Everything is doing fine
The signal lamp is blinking red
The sleepy city is in bed
He checks the lock on Gate Fourteen
The coldest sight he's ever seen
Left foot right foot keep the pace
Walking through a velvet space
Counting down the iron line
Everything is doing fine
A distant horn a lonely sound
It shakes the heavy sodden ground
He tips his cap to empty air
A quiet joke a vacant stare
The diesel oil is smelling sweet
Across the grey and gritty street
He finds a coin upon the rail
A tiny gold and shiny trail
He hums a tune from Sunday school
While keeping to the company rule
The clock is ticking toward the dawn
Until the heavy mist is gone
Left foot right foot keep the pace
Walking through a velvet space
Counting down the iron line
Everything is doing fine
One more lap to go.
Just the iron beat. Left, right.
Done.
