El Gran Palacio

Lyrics

[Verse 1] El Gran Palacio, punch the clock again Same small motion, same worn-out ten One thin dollar for the hours I spend Smile at the doorway, then start again [Pre-Chorus] Rent due Friday, shoes worn through One road home, one road I might choose [Chorus] Do I pay the rent or sleep outside? Keep my head down, keep the wheels in line Haven’t slept in—I can’t say when Still I drag myself through the doors again [Verse 2] The break-room clock has lost a hand Coffee gone cold in a paper cup stand Folks talk tough with their eyes half shut I count my change and keep my collar up [Pre-Chorus] The whole place runs on borrowed steam I’m not signing up for somebody else’s dream [Chorus] Do I pay the rent or sleep outside? Keep my head down, keep the wheels in line Haven’t slept in—I can’t say when Still I drag myself through the doors again [Bridge] I won’t take that road just to feel less tired There’s a room somewhere, there’s a little more time One more shift, then I’ll find my way A dollar’s not the sum of what I’m worth today [Final Chorus] I’ll pay the rent and I’ll stay inside Take one slow breath, let the morning arrive Haven’t slept in—I can’t say when But I’m still here, and I get to choose again [Outro] El Gran Palacio, lock the door Tomorrow asks for the same old score