One Small Promise

Lyrics

[Intro] Cold stone steps, rain on the rail One small promise in a folded-up tale [Verse 1] Mum left a note by the chipped blue cup “Keep your word when the pressure comes up” I took that line through the long wet walk Past shuttered shops where the old men talk No borrowed crown, no borrowed name I learned to stand when the room went strange Now every choice has a cost attached I count my steps, keep the route mapped [Chorus] Hold that line when the doors swing wide Keep your head when the plans divide From the first cold morning to the last train home I built my way, I can stand alone [Verse 2] My mate said, “Leave it, the score’s not yours” But I saw his hands shake outside those doors So I stayed put till the shouting thinned Some wins don’t shine, they just let you live Auntie’s old clock still skips at two I fix what I can; I tell what is true If the whole block turns and the whole thing bends I know what I owe, I know who’s my friend [Chorus] Hold that line when the doors swing wide Keep your head when the plans divide From the first cold morning to the last train home I built my way, I can stand alone [Bridge] No grand speech, just the work kept neat A steady hand and a measured heartbeat [Final Chorus] Hold that line when the doors swing wide Keep your head when the plans divide From the first cold morning to the last train home I built my way, I can stand alone [Outro] One small promise, still carrying on The street goes quiet; the work stays done