Let the Little Panic Wait

מילים

[Verse 1] The elevator stops on a floor that isn’t listed. I tell myself, “That’s fine,” and press the brass number twice. My left hand keeps a rhythm my right hand doesn’t know. I count to four, then lose the count on purpose. Easy. I’m only here to collect the coat I never checked in. [Pre-Chorus] I say my name under my breath; it comes back wearing mine. I keep my shoulders loose, like I’m waiting for a photograph. Don’t turn around. I turn around. [Chorus] Ah-uh, ah-uh, keep it moving, keep it neat. Ah-uh, ah-uh, there’s a second set of feet. I tell myself to smile; I do it half a beat too late. Ah-uh, ah-uh, let the little panic wait. Ah-uh, ah-uh, let the little panic wait. [Verse 2] There’s a folded note in my pocket with my handwriting on it. It says, “Take the stairs,” though I have never owned a pen. I laugh once, very politely, at the joke I haven’t heard. Then I practice looking bored while my pulse does cartwheels. Not now. Not me. [Bridge] I make a deal with myself: no running until the music changes. I make another deal: don’t ask who’s keeping time. The elevator opens; every button says my floor. I step out first, though I’m already standing there. I know that trick. I taught it to myself. [Final Chorus] Ah-uh, ah-uh, keep it moving, keep it neat. Ah-uh, ah-uh, there’s a second set of feet. I tell myself to smile; I do it half a beat too late. Ah-uh, ah-uh, let the little panic wait. Ah-uh, ah-uh, let the little panic wait. [Outro] Ah-uh, ah-uh, let the little panic wait.