Pete Atkin - Thirty Year Man lyrics

Atkin-James Nobody here yet From the spotlight that will ring her not a glimmer Not a finger on its squeaky dimmer I play piano in a jazz quartet That works here late with a young girl singer And along from the darkened and empty tables By the covered-up drums and the microphone cables At the end of the room the piano glistens Like the rail at the end of the nave Thirty years in the racket A brindled crew-cut and a silk-lined jacket And it isn't my hands that fill this place It's a kid's voice still reaching into space It's her they're driving down to hear And it's my bent-over back she's standing near Nobody talks yet From the gla**es that will touch soon not a tinkle Not a paper napkin shows a wrinkle I play piano in a jazz quartet That backs a winner while the big notes crinkle And along from the darkened and empty tables By the covered-up drums and the microphone cables At the end of the room the piano glistens Like the rail at the end of the nave And I play a few things while no-one listens Thirty years in the racket A brindled crew-cut and a silk-lined jacket And it isn't my name that brings them in It's a little girl just starting to begin It's her they're piling in to see And I'd k** that kid if she wasn't k**ing me Nobody moves yet From the tables near the bandstand not a rustle Not a loudmouth even moves a muscle I play piano in a jazz quartet That backs a giver while the takers hustle And along from the darkened and empty tables By the covered-up drums and the microphone cables At the end of the room the piano glistens Like bones at the end of a cave And I play a few things while no-one listens For an hour alone spells freedom to the slave