dark trap, a dark trap beat about the sea

Intro

Verse 1
Four in the morning out on the concrete harbor dock
You checked that wrist watch louder than the kitchen wall clock
You zipped the stiff canvas of your heavy yellow coat
And stepped into the dark on that rusted wooden boat
Back then our cupboards in the hall were running way too low
I was too young to ever see it or to truly know
You risked your life against the deep just to secure our pay
So we had shoes and warm food on the table every day
The freezing water cracked your skin and turned your fingers cold
You never spoke a single complaint with those ropes to hold
You gave your body up to the dark mercy of the sea
Just so that there would be an easy life for them and me

Hook
If I saw you walk up to my door
I would tell you not to work no more
I am grateful that you had us here
Now everything you gave is clear

Verse 2
I still remember every scar that marked your working hands
Taking the brutal hits that the winter tide demands
Coming back inland long before the morning crowd could break
Tiptoeing through the hallway so nobody would wake
The ocean salt was in your hair and down your aching spine
From pulling up the heavy traps along the nylon line
You fought the deep water so our family would not drown
In all the quiet debt that hangs over this coastal town
You carried all that silent pressure deep inside your chest
And never took an afternoon to have a proper rest
I understand the price you paid now that it is too late
And all the love you gave us every night we had to wait

Hook
If I saw you walk up to my door
I would tell you not to work no more
I am grateful that you had us here
Now everything you gave is clear

Bridge
I stand alone and watch the water break upon this shore
And look at every wave much differently than once before
You stood against the drop so I had memories to keep
I hold the quiet promises you pulled up from the deep

Hook
If I saw you walk up to my door
I would tell you not to work no more
I am grateful that you had us here
Now everything you gave is clear

Outro
Drop your heavy boots upon the floor
You do not have to fight no more