The Lake Avondale Boathouse

Lyrics

Alright, who's next? Step on up. Don't be shy now. The swans don't bite.
Mostly.

That'll be twelve dollars for the half. Cash is fine. Card's fine too, but the machine is slow today. It's always slow.
You want number three? She's a good one. A little stiff in the rudder, but she sits right in the water.
Go on, take the life vests. I have to say that. Rules are rules, even in a town built to look like 1924.

So, is it the half hour or the full hour?
Around this little lake, on this warm cedar dock.
You pedal out past the fountain, you wave at the walkers on the path.
For twelve dollars, you can pretend the interstate isn't three miles away.
The half hour or the full hour?
That's the only question that matters right now.

Mornings, it's the rowing camp. Ten-year-olds catching their oars, splashing more than they pull.
Afternoons, it's you folks. The dates, the families from Clarkston with their coolers.
The kids who jump right off the side, no lifeguard, just the honor system.
Just… be a good neighbor.
It's a swimming hole in the middle of a city. Imagine that.

So, is it the half hour or the full hour?
Around this little lake, on this warm cedar dock.
You pedal out past the fountain, you wave at the walkers on the path.
For twelve dollars, you can pretend the interstate isn't three miles away.
The half hour or the full hour?
That's the only question that matters right now.

Sometimes I just watch. From this little wooden box.
I see the whole town reflected. The perfect Tudor gables, the slate roofs.
A postcard from a place that never quite was.
But the heat on the water, that's real.
The squeal when a kid sees a real swan next to their pedal-swan? That's real too.

Alright, number three! Time's up! Bring her in easy now.
That's it. Watch the dock.
Did you have a nice time?
Good. That's good.
Who's next?
We're open 'til dusk.
Always open 'til dusk.