Set the Watch Down

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Jose checks the latch before he leaves Counts the faces on the bus, then checks again Work boots by the door, his old field coat He reads each room like a note he can’t forget [Pre-Chorus] The shift runs long, the phone stays bright He keeps one eye on every passing car [Chorus] Jose, you can set the watch down now You’re home, you’re here, you made it through somehow But the clock keeps chewing up the day All work, no rest, and no easy way Jose, let the shoulders fall tonight The world can wait outside the kitchen light [Verse 2] Coffee gone cold beside the time sheet He knows the sound of every stairwell door Neighbors wave; he nods and keeps on moving A quiet life still asks him to stay sure [Pre-Chorus] He gives his best, then gives some more Still hears the hours marching through the floor [Chorus] Jose, you can set the watch down now You’re home, you’re here, you made it through somehow But the clock keeps chewing up the day All work, no rest, and no easy way Jose, let the shoulders fall tonight The world can wait outside the kitchen light [Bridge] No orders, no convoy, no roll call Still every small sound brings him to his feet He wants a morning with nowhere to be A whole slow hour, a little room to breathe [Final Chorus] Jose, you can set the watch down now You’re home, you’re here, you made it through somehow Let the clock keep ticking; let it wait You don’t have to carry every weight Jose, let the shoulders fall tonight The world can wait outside the kitchen light All work, no rest—he’s learning how To leave a little space for himself now [Outro] Jose, take the long way home No shift to chase, no road alone