Can't Weld A Body Lyrics

Karine Polwart Can't Weld A Body

You crafted and caressed her with a careful hand
But the lady didn't understand
And you riveted and plated her til morning
But with a coil or a careless spark
Or a tumble in the dark
She'll leave her mark upon you without warning

You can float a boat of steel upon the ocean
You can fix it up with nuts and bolts and toil
But you can't weld a body when it's broken

The lady she's as fair as Desdemona
She swallowed you up just like Jonah
And there the air inside her belly ailed you
And no-one saw you fall
And they did not hear your call
And your breath it faltered just before it failed you

On a cruiser that was fitted by your father
You anchored in San Carlos harbour
But the lady at the helm she was not for turning
And in your bell bottoms blue