Shambolic Softness II

[Verse 1] He’s the villicator Collector of laughter Surprised gasps Breathy giggle in the rafters (hah, hah) He bottles every trembling little sound Says “Joy is only borrowed from the ground” Little silver vials On an iron chain He weighs your widest smile Like a scale of rain [Chorus] He says “Laugh for me now I’ll keep it safe I’ll keep it safe” Takes your thunder from your mouth Locks it up Behind his face He hums “Joy is only borrowed from the ground” As another bright Brief echo Never makes a sound [Verse 2] He walks through village windows When the curtains shake Catches birthday candles When the ribs all ache (ohh) Tucks a shaken chuckle In a velvet case Leaves a paper-quiet Where there once was bass Kids say they can hear him In the attic boards Trading tiny tickled hearts For a hoard of chords [Chorus] He says “Laugh for me now I’ll keep it safe I’ll keep it safe” Takes your thunder from your mouth Locks it up Behind his face He hums “Joy is only borrowed from the ground” As another bright Brief echo Never makes a sound [Bridge] What happens when his necklace breaks? (hah) Glass like shooting stars Through the frozen lakes All that giggle All that glow Rushing back to skin and throat Will we choke Or will we shout? Will the rafters finally Shake it out? [Chorus] He says “Laugh for me now I’ll keep it safe I’ll keep it safe” But cracks run flashing through the jars Like lightning through his careful grace We sing “Joy was never buried in the ground” Every stolen Hoarded echo Roaring back in rounds (hah, hah)