I wind the key until it tightens
The heavy dark of midnight brightens
You stir the tea in a ceramic pot
The steam is thick and the water hot
The mainspring breaks and the gear slips low
We watch the steady rhythm go slow
One broken tooth in a golden wheel
A sudden crack that we both can feel
I count the seconds on a copper face
A steady beat in a narrow space
You lean your head on the wooden table
I try to hold it as long as I'm able
The mainspring breaks and the gear slips low
We watch the steady lhythm go slow
One broken tooth in a golden wheel
A sudden crack that we both can feel
The brass is worn and the oil is dry
A heavy cloud in a velvet sky
You pour the cup with a shaking hand
The hour glass spills out the heavy sand
The mainspring breaks and the gear slips low
We watch the steady rhythm go slow
One broken tooth in a golden wheel
A sudden crack that we both can feel
Pull the lever and lock the door
I cannot fix this machine any more
The metal screams in a high sharp tone
A hollow sound that we face alone
The kettle whistles a steady song
The night is short but the wait is long
We leave the parts on the kitchen floor
And walk away through the open door
The mainspring breaks and the gear slips low
We watch the steady rhythm go slow
One broken tooth in a golden wheel
A sudden crack that we both can feel
Let the clock stop
Let the gear drop
