Track 3 of the album Eastbound · 2013
Night Shift Royalty
by Kane Rivers
“For everybody who clocks in when the city clocks out.”
boom-bap · boom-bap · anthemic rap · 3:28
Lyrics
Clock says two and the city sleeps I'm up where the quiet runs deep Nurse in the hallway, cook at the grill Guard at the desk with the coffee still Trucker on the highway, baker with the dough Janitor shining floors nobody knows We keep the lights on while the world's in bed Ain't no applause but we're getting ahead Nobody sees us, we don't mind We're the reason mornings find Night shift royalty, crown of the dark Tired eyes but a steady heart Night shift royalty, we run the hours Moon on our shoulders, quiet power When the sun comes up we're heading home Night shift royalty on the throne Vending machine dinner, a quarter and a prayer Photo of the kids on the dashboard there Text from my mama, "Baby, you eat?" Sunrise coming up on an empty street Bus driver nodding when the doors swing wide Another night worker on the ride Silent salute, that's all we need Respect in the dark is the realest creed Nobody sees us, we don't mind We're the reason mornings find Night shift royalty, crown of the dark Tired eyes but a steady heart Night shift royalty, we run the hours Moon on our shoulders, quiet power When the sun comes up we're heading home Night shift royalty on the throne Pull in the driveway as the birds begin Kiss on the forehead, the kids wake in Blinds pulled down while the day goes loud Dreaming of the night and I'm feeling proud Bills getting paid, that's the mission here Every long hour is a purpose clear Sleep is the castle, the dark is the gown Wake up at dusk and I'm back in town So if you see us at the early light Eyes half open from the night Say good morning, say thank you We're the ones who carried you through Night shift royalty, crown of the dark Tired eyes but a steady heart Night shift royalty, we run the hours Moon on our shoulders, quiet power When the sun comes up we're heading home Night shift royalty on the throne Night shift royalty Heading home, heading home