Track 3 of the album The Long Thaw · 2018
Mirror, Signal, Parallel Park
“A narrow gap and a queue watching me, which is exactly what parallel parking feels like. Brisk and a bit cheeky.”
operatic pop · driving pop · crossover · 3:16
Lyrics
A narrow gap between two cars A queue of traffic watching me My palms are damp, my heart is loud But I have counted every move Check the mirror, check again Steady now, and breathe it in Mirror, signal, parallel park Turn the wheel and swing it wide Inch by inch, I'm in the dark Then the kerb is by my side Mirror, signal, here I go Watch me slide into the slot Every doubt I used to know Settles when I stop The gears are humming like a song My shoulders drop, my breath is slow A little reverse, a little patience The pavement answers, soft and low Check the mirror, check again Steady now, and breathe it in Mirror, signal, parallel park Turn the wheel and swing it wide Inch by inch, I'm in the dark Then the kerb is by my side Mirror, signal, here I go Watch me slide into the slot Every doubt I used to know Settles when I stop Someone claps from a window above A stranger gives a thumbs up sign I laugh out loud and I let it show I am bigger than the line Mirror, signal, parallel park Turn the wheel and swing it wide Inch by inch, I'm in the dark Then the kerb is by my side Mirror, signal, here I go Watch me slide into the slot Every doubt I used to know Settles when I stop Settles when I stop Perfectly parked