[Piano intro — quick bordello flourish] [Verse 1 — Female lead] Down by the lobby where the red light bends, There’s a velvet old bar full of quiet friends. Stools in the shadows, lipstick on the ground, And a piano laugh when the sun goes down. [Male response] She said, “Boys, don’t ask what you’re doing here for, There’s a payroll hiding under that floor.” I fixed my tie, said, “Ma’am, I won’t hustle, I only moonlight where the bordello bustles.” [Chorus — duet] I’m an engineer, but I play piano nights, Blueprints in the daytime, cabaret lights. Click that pen and make it rattle, Hit that keyboard like a satin battle. I’m an engineer, but in this crimson hush, I’m classy at the desk, dirty when I blush. ⸻ [Verse 2 — Male lead] There’s a badge on my shirt and a code on the sill, Steel-frame fantasies, calculus and will. Everybody laughs, says, “That double can’t be,” Then the clock strikes ten and the keys find me. [Female response] Well I’ve danced for tips and I’ve sung for more, I’ve left stray heels by the parlour door. If you want my chords, bring a drink and muscle, And don’t go cheap when the bordello bustles. [Chorus — bigger] I’m an engineer, but I play piano nights, Blueprints in the daytime, cabaret lights. Click that pen and make it rattle, Hit that keyboard like a satin battle. I’m an engineer, but in this crimson hush, I’m classy at the desk, dirty when I blush. ⸻ [Bridge — cabaret breakdown, half-time] Cufflinks on the coat rack, boots in the clay, Spreadsheet sweating like it’s judgment day. One hand on the railing, one hand on the deal, Seventy keys of “baby, this is real.” [Spoken aside — female] Gentlemen… Please keep your minds on the approved story. [Piano sting] ⸻ [Verse 3 — duet] South of the office where the ink runs still, North of the overtime and old tax bill, There’s a moonlit chorus by the velvet and wine, Singing “day-job, night-job, form a line.” [Male] No warranty, honey, on my time and such, But the plans got charm and the night’s got touch. [Female] So loosen your tie and don’t you hustle, You need a password where the bordellos bustle. ⸻ [Final chorus — full band, handclaps] I’m an engineer, but I play piano nights, Blueprints in the daytime, cabaret lights. Click that pen and make it rattle, Hit that keyboard like a satin battle. I’m an engineer, but in this crimson hush, I’m classy at the desk, dirty when I blush. [Tag — crowd vocals] Classy at the desk— Dirty in the hush! I’m an engineer— Better bring a blush!