First Light of Winter

I've been traveling
Down a dark road,
Going places
That no one knows.
Now I'm reveling
Across the Basin
Trying to get back,
But no one's waiting.

Brace yourself
For the first light of winter.
Grab the line
Before you hit the bottom.

There's a hunger
That's deep inside.
It's got the light,
It won't apologize.
It's a wild beast
That has a grin,
And it won't let go.
I've made peace with it.

Brace yourself
For the first light of winter.
Grab the line
Before you hit the bottom.

When the storm arrives,
It's got a crazy eye.
It has no mercy
Until it dies.
Now I'm heading north
To Baton Rouge,
Where the ground is dry,
And the sky is blue.

Brace yourself
For the first light of winter.
Grab the line
Before you hit the bottom.

And the levee's holding fast.
They said it would last
They promised.
Sanding in your darkened bed
Beneath the swell
Looking for solace.
But you had been down so long
You knew it was wrong,
You felt helpless.
And as the pressure starts to rise,
It's a matter of time
You arrive,
At the bottom.

Feeling bad,
Feeling better.
Gonna stop.
Write a letter
To the government,
Powers that be,
I've been fighting wars
In the name of peace.

Brace yourself
For the first light of winter.
Grab the line
Before you hit the bottom.

And the levee's holding fast.
They said it would last
They promised.
But you had been down so long,
The pressure was strong
'Til you release it.
As your spirits start to rise,
Make your way toward the light
At the surface.
And now you're coming up for air,
The coast it is clear,
You will survive this,
Now you're lawless,
Now you're fearless.