Indiana Jones’ bullwhip

Lyrics

[Intro]


[Verse 1]
Twelve-plait kangaroo belly, rolled tight over a shot-loaded core.
I carry the yellow grit of places that don't exist anymore.
I know the curve of his right hip better than the women he holds,
Resting in the loop, waiting for the danger to unfold.
Before his shoulder even drops to throw,
I am already seeking the rafter, I am the place he needs to go.

[Verse 2]
I have wrapped around the stone necks of idols and the landing gear of planes.
I am the longest breath between the cliff edge and the driving rain.
They think I am a weapon, but mostly I am just a plea—
A heavy braided line of hope thrown out against gravity.
I break the air in half just to snatch a pistol from the dirt.
I am the shadow of a longer arm, trying not to get us hurt.

[Chorus]
But I don't fear the gunfire, and I don't fear the blades.
I don't fear the heavy stone or the traps the ancients made.
He used to yell at all the thieves about where the glory belongs,
And that is what keeps me coiled so tight, all night long.
I am terrified of the glass case.
I am afraid of the velvet shelf.
I am afraid of becoming an artifact myself.

[Bridge]
The sharpest applause in the world, that’s the sound my cracker throws.
But I never really killed the monsters, I just bought us a narrower close.
A symbol of the great escape, dragged through the mud,
Knowing that one day, the rhythm will leave his blood.
The hat will go on a hook.
And I will be laid out straight.

[Chorus]
No, I don't fear the gunfire, and I don't fear the blades.
I don't fear the heavy stone or the traps the ancients made.
He used to yell at all the thieves about where the glory belongs,
And that is what keeps me coiled so tight, all night long.
I am terrified of the glass case.
I am afraid of the velvet shelf.
I am afraid of becoming an artifact.

[Outro]
Just a coil in the dark.
Under a little brass plaque.
Waiting for a hand that isn't coming back.

Roll me up.
Leave me on the belt.