Track 1 of the EP Lanyard Weather · 2022

Lanyard Round My Neck, Heart in My Mouth

“Cardboard badge, heart in my mouth, and a smile I practised in the lift. Everyone's nervous on the first day, and that's what the song says.”

indie folk · hopeful folk · bright acoustic · 3:43

Lyrics

Lanyard round my neck, heart in my mouth
Cardboard badge says Welcome, new
Spelled my name with one wrong letter
But it still looks good on you
Cafe job on Market Street
Apron stiff and shoes so clean
First flat white I ever poured
Looked like something in between

I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm turning the key
Every spilled cup is a step toward me
Heart in my mouth and my feet on the ground
Ask me again when I've turned this town around
I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm finding my feet
Rolling up my sleeves in the morning heat
Nobody told me it would feel this good
To be bad at something, as I should

Regulars know my name by noon
Old Mr Peck wants extra foam
Says I'm doing better, love
Than he did when he left home
Every plate I drop, I laugh
Every order, I write down
Bit by bit the tangle loosens
Into someone in the town

I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm turning the key
Every spilled cup is a step toward me
Heart in my mouth and my feet on the ground
Ask me again when I've turned this town around
I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm finding my feet
Rolling up my sleeves in the morning heat
Nobody told me it would feel this good
To be bad at something, as I should

Closing time, the chairs go up
The window turns to gold
I wipe the counter, count the tips
And feel a little bold
Not because I'm perfect now
But because I showed up twice
And the second time was easier
And the third will be nice

I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm turning the key
Every spilled cup is a step toward me
Heart in my mouth and my feet on the ground
Ask me again when I've turned this town around
I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm finding my feet
Rolling up my sleeves in the morning heat
Nobody told me it would feel this good
To be bad at something, as I should

To be bad at something, as I should
And do it anyway, and it feels good