[Intro] [Verse 1] On a sofa in reception A blanket round my shoulders I look up—the clock says two a.m. Straight ahead, some words catch my eye PORT GENESIS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE The receptionist comes back to the desk Doesn’t ask me where I came from “Is there anything you can’t eat?” Allergies come before explanations [Verse 2] “Till your next address is sorted Room two-oh-three is yours for now” I don’t know when I’ll make it home Still, they place a key into my hand [Pre-Chorus 1] The intake form Has no line for my previous address Under “People We May Contact” I write down six familiar names Under “Where Would You Like to Go?” I write, “Where my people are” [Chorus 1] PORT GENESIS Not quite arriving, not quite leaving A key I’ve only borrowed Makes this my address for today PORT GENESIS They’ll sort the payment later Till I know where I’m going next It seems I’m allowed to stay [Verse 3] After a night shift, slip in round the back Someone waits for a call beside the window One pudding sitting in the fridge Three people swear that it is theirs Wi-Fi’s strongest halfway up the stairs The washing machine shuts down at ten No one asks about your life before They only tell you when the bins go out [Verse 4] Third morning, I put the rubbish out Now I know exactly where it goes But the way back to the world I came from Is still nowhere to be found [Pre-Chorus 2] I come through the door Leave my shoes in the usual place I’ve only been here for three days Still, I know which mug is whose I don’t know where I’m going next But today, this is where I belong [Chorus 2] PORT GENESIS Not quite arriving, not quite leaving Even with a borrowed key It’s still the room I come back to PORT GENESIS I don’t know when I’ll leave this place Even news that should never find me I can wait for it right here [Bridge] Late one evening, someone new turns up Carrying just one small bag The things I heard a few days ago I’m passing on to someone else [Final Chorus] PORT GENESIS Another person walks through the door Before anyone asks them why “Any allergies?” comes first Then someone hands them a key PORT GENESIS I don’t know when I’ll leave this place Carrying those six names along with me I’m starting a life right here [Instrumental Outro] [End]
