Cold wood and rusted iron nails
Winter wind blows through the sails
Grey fog wraps the canal tight
I watch through the dimming light
Rocking back and forth alone
Wood and metal on a stone
Guarding every bridge and street
Counting every passing beat
Bikes roll by in a silver blur
Winter air makes the water stir
Heavy coats and leather boots
Deep in the city's frozen roots
Rocking back and forth alone
Wood and metal on a stone
Guarding every bridge and street
Counting every passing beat
Oil lamps flicker on the wall
White snow starts its steady fall
I hold the watch for the night
Keeping the narrow pathway right
Rocking back and forth alone
Wood and metal on a stone
Guarding every bridge and street
Counting every passing beat
Old paint peels in the salty air
Empty benches and a vacant stare
I feel the tilt and the heavy sway
Waiting for the break of day
The current pulls the black water deep
While the sleeping houses keep
I am the anchor in the white haze
Counting the hours and the winter days
Sleet hits the wood with a sudden crack
The morning sun brings the color back
A child stops to touch my rail
The winter fog begins to fail
Rocking back and forth alone
Wood and metal on a stone
Guarding every bridge and street
Counting every passing beat
Wait for the light
Wait for the light
Just keep the beat