Pull the Slack

Intro
(Fast driving acoustic strumming, crisp train-beat snare, sharp Telecaster lick)
​[Verse 1]
Drop the tailgate, grab the heavy iron chain
Barometer’s falling, we’re racing the rain
Three miles of copper sagging down in the brush
Got forty-five minutes 'fore the valley goes hush
Check the tension on the winch, pull the lever back tight
We’re splicing live wire in the fading light
​[Chorus]
Pull the slack, lock the gear, keep the engine running hot
Give it everything you got, don't you waste a single shot
From the ridge to the river, hear the generator whine
Hold the line, hold the line, yeah, we’re running out of time
Beat the cold, beat the dark, keep the current flowing free
That's the only way to be
​[Verse 2]
Thermos coffee’s cold, got grease on the cuff
This limestone ridge is steep and the footing is rough
Sparks fly bright when the arc hits the steel
Wrench in the palm, let the heavy pulley squeal
Wind’s picking up, whipping cedar through the air
Climb another twenty feet, we’re almost there
​[Chorus]
Pull the slack, lock the gear, keep the engine running hot
Give it everything you got, don't you waste a single shot
From the ridge to the river, hear the generator whine
Hold the line, hold the line, yeah, we’re running out of time
Beat the cold, beat the dark, keep the current flowing free
That's the only way to be
​[Instrumental Break]
(High-speed fiddle solo trading bars with a gritty Telecaster, driving train rhythm underneath)
​[Bridge]
(Music drops to just stomping boots, bass, and handclaps)
Thunder in the canyon, frost on the grass
Step on the throttle, hit the gas
One last splice, throw the breaker wide
Watch the valley light up on the other side!
​[Guitar & Fiddle Build]
​[Chorus]
Pull the slack, lock the gear, keep the engine running hot
Give it everything you got, don't you waste a single shot
From the ridge to the river, hear the generator whine
Hold the line, hold the line, yeah, we’re running out of time
Beat the cold, beat the dark, keep the current flowing free
That's the only way to be
​[Outro]
(Full band driving hard)
Lock the gear!
Keep it hot!
Hold the line, hold the line!
(Abrupt, punchy acoustic and Telecaster chord stop)