[Verse 1] He learned the rent by heart before he learned his name Early light on calloused hands same road, different days He folds his own wants small puts them in his coat Then walks back through that door with the whole house on his throat [Pre-Chorus] And the mirror says, "boy" but the table says, "stay" Mother at the doorway sisters counting down the week He keeps ten minutes honest stretches them like wire Breathing in the load while he carries the fire [Chorus] Two clocks in his chest two clocks in his hands Work and time work and time Hold the whole house up while he still can Work and time work and time (Work and time) [Verse 2] Office, shop, or street same ache in the bone Paper on the counter medicine and bread at home School forms, bus fare, phone calls keys on a chipped ring He comes in smiling softly like he didn't lose a thing [Pre-Chorus] And the years don't ask permission they just leave a mark On his quiet eyes on the strength behind his dark He never calls it sacrifice he calls it getting by Still he gives the best hours to the people in his life [Chorus] Two clocks in his chest two clocks in his hands Work and time work and time Hold the whole house up while he still can Work and time work and time (Work and time) [Bridge] He is not a victim he is the door left open He is not the bruised-up man he is the promise spoken If the world gets heavy he stays where love begins Guarding little dreams with a whole life in his skin [Final Chorus] Two clocks in his chest two clocks in his hands Work and time work and time Hold the whole house up while he still can Work and time work and time (Work and time) He keeps them safe tonight he keeps them safe again Work and time work and time
