Graveyard Shift
Hardship's Echo: Alice Armstrong's 'Graveyard Shift'
Lyrics
Been walkin' since the A road
Reflecting on a journey since the closure of the A road.
Was closed off to the town
Describing the road closure's impact on the town.
The place was wiped clean off the map
Emphasizing the town's complete removal from existence.
Like sweat from my brow
Comparing the town's disappearance to the ease of wiping sweat away.
Ain't no call from the workhouse
No communication from the workhouse, indicating a lack of employment.
The dock has washed away
Portraying the disappearance of the dock, symbolizing lost opportunities.
No jobs on in the city
Highlighting the scarcity of jobs in the city.
Gotta work 'fore I get paid
Expressing the need to work for income.
One hand in my pocket
Metaphorically describing a challenging situation with "one hand in my pocket."
Dust track under foot
Referring to a dusty track underfoot, suggesting a difficult path.
Drop my tailor-made
Dropping a tailor-made item, possibly representing a sacrifice or letting go.
To crush it with my boot
Crushing the dropped item with a boot, symbolizing a forceful decision.
Now I wouldn't say I'm religious
Denying being religious but acknowledging the role of faith.
But there's always room for faith
Recognizing the importance of faith, especially in challenging times.
When I'm on my last tether
Feeling at the limit of endurance or patience.
Find me on my knees to pray
Turning to prayer when faced with extreme challenges.
Now there's one thing I can tell you
Stating an observation about the unpredictable nature of the world.
The world has a funny way
Highlighting the world's tendency to reveal the struggles of others.
Of showing you that others
Noting that others may be in a worse situation.
Can be in a worser way
Reflecting on the challenges faced by others.
Lord, take me to the church yard
Expressing a desire to be in a churchyard, possibly seeking solace or spiritual connection.
Where I can lift my spade
Desiring to lift a spade, suggesting a connection to labor or burial.
'Cause the people keep on dying
Acknowledging a recurring theme of death in the community.
And they need a place to lay
Stating the need for a place to bury the deceased.
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