"Still Holding The Line"
[Intro]
A soft wind whispers through the pines, soft moonlight on the bay
Two loons call out a haunting tune from the edge of the day
He tightens his boots, scales his tower and scans the fire-watch log
Yet another lonely night walking back to his bunk through the fog
[Verse 1]
It’s week number nine, ain’t no sign of relief
While patching old docks he slips on a wet leaf
Then he recalls the DOGE cuts that left him alone
To fend for himself, way out here on his own
[Chorus]
He’s still holding the line, where the wild things roam
But his heart aches nightly for the faces back home
With the stars burning bright over Namakan Lake
He wishes on a star for a much-needed break
[Verse 2]
A bull moose crossed his path near the aspen grove
And a bear took down trash near the ranger’s cove
He logs it all in, not a thing does he miss—except…
The company of co-workers or the dog he had kept
[Verse 3]
His youngest just turned ten—he missed the whole day
His wife sent a photo with the caption, "We’re doing okay"
He read it with tears in his eyes there in laptop’s glow
Then he wiped his face, thankful no one would know
[Bridge]
He took this post for the promise it gave
To protect something sacred, not to be a slave
But how long can a man stretch body and soul
Before this vast wilderness takes its toll?
[Verse 4]
He watches a family of beavers disappear into the mist
And dreams of his spouse and the warmth of her kiss
The world out here is rugged with beauty that's surreal
But tonight he'd trade it all for a home-cooked meal
[Chorus]
Still holding the line, with a badge on his chest
Doing work most forget, giving more than the rest
With the owls calling out and the cold setting in
He dreams of the day he can finally give in
[Chorus - Final]
Still holding the line, though he’s tired to the bone
In the land of a thousand lakes carved out of stone
He used to love it here, but his heart’s grown worn
Guarding the wild place where his soul was sworn
[Outro]
Ontario winds chills to the bone, there’s ice on the shore
In the distance a lone wolf howls, he’s not alone anymore
Just one more night under this northern sky’s dome
He’s still holding the line—and longing for home
