A Jackknife to a Swan
Walter's Desperate Dance: A Jackknife to a Swan
Lyrics
Shortly after Evelyn
Introduction of a character named Evelyn
Was doused with gasoline
Evelyn was attacked with gasoline
And just a few miles off the avenue
Location reference near the avenue
A lighter flashed into a puff of smoke
A lighter ignited, causing smoke
For thirty years Walter worked right there
Walter's thirty years of work history
Five days out of every week
Walter's regular work schedule
That's where he watched his hometown fade
Observation of hometown fading
The last came fast and furious
A sudden and intense ending
Just step in one direction
Initiating a movement in one direction
Stutter step for one split second
A momentary hesitation or pause
Faster through the intersection
Acceleration through an intersection
A Jackknife to a swan and he was gone
Metaphorical event - a jackknife to a swan
When Walter's shift was over
After work, Walter's routine
He'd head out to catch the red line home
Using public transportation to go home
Two stops away his family slept
Proximity to family while they sleep
He'd be there when they got out of bed
Commitment to being there for family
Destination Subway Station
Heading to the subway station
Someone yelled so he looked back
Encounter with a potential threat
Five guys were heading his way
Pursuit by a group of individuals
He ran to catch that last train home
Attempting to catch the last train
Step in one direction
Continuation of movement in one direction
Stutter step for one split second
Another brief hesitation or pause
Faster through the intersection
Acceleration through the intersection
A Jackknife to a swan and he was gone
Reiteration of the metaphorical event
Oh Walter ran - did they kill Evelyn?
Concern for Evelyn's well-being
He had his token in his hand
Walter holding his subway token
But he jumped over the turnstile
Defying normal procedure by jumping turnstile
And he ran down the platform
Running along the platform
They were hot on his heels
Pursuers close behind Walter
An outbound was bearing down on him
Approaching danger - an oncoming train
Walter jumped in front of it
Walter's drastic action - jumping in front of the train
Just step in one direction
Final movement in one direction
Stutter step for one split second
Last momentary hesitation or pause
Faster through the intersection
Final acceleration through the intersection
A Jackknife to a swan and he was gone
Reiteration of the metaphorical event as a conclusion
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