Bats in the Belfry

Lyrics

[Intro] The old clock coughs at quarter to twelve A loose pane taps like a knuckle on wood [Verse 1] Up in the steeple, the rafters complain Dust in the moonbeam, rain on the chain I climb those stairs with a brass key in hand Hear little claws keeping time with the wind [Pre-Chorus] Something turns where the rafters bend Black wings stir in the bitter air [Chorus] Bats in the belfry, circling low Bats in the belfry, ready to go When the midnight bell shakes the stones They pour through the dark like a storm let loose Bats in the belfry—come claim your own [Verse 2] A cracked bell swings with a jaw like a gate I count six heartbeats, then count past eight One skims my hat, one nicks the old rope I laugh through my teeth and I tighten my coat [Pre-Chorus] Something turns where the rafters bend Black wings stir in the bitter air [Chorus] Bats in the belfry, circling low Bats in the belfry, ready to go When the midnight bell shakes the stones They pour through the dark like a storm let loose Bats in the belfry—come claim your own [Bridge] The bell rope snaps, the whole tower rings The roof spits out a thousand wings I hit the stairs, they fill the sky And one keeps pace as I hurry by [Guitar Solo] [Final Chorus] Bats in the belfry, circling low Bats in the belfry, ready to go When the midnight bell shakes the stones They pour through the dark like a storm let loose Bats in the belfry—come claim your own Bats in the belfry! Let the old bell groan! [Outro] The clock strikes one; the rafters are still Then something laughs from the top of the hill