Track 3 of the EP Nine Time Zones Away · 2011
Clutch and Courage
“A bright little song about my first driving lesson. I was far more frightened than the lyric admits.”
operatic pop · whimsical pop · chamber pop · 3:08
Lyrics
Mirror, mirror, check the street Seat pulled forward, trembling feet Little car in morning light Teacher says, "Now take it slow, and right" Find the biting point, she said Lift the left foot, don't forget your head Clutch and courage, clutch and courage Rolling down the lane Every stall's a lesson, every stop a small refrain Clutch and courage, clutch and courage Soon the road is mine I am learning how to travel, one soft gear at a time Roundabout of swirling cars Counting exits, counting stars Indicator ticking time Like a metronome that keeps me in the rhyme Find the biting point, she said Breathe in gently, look ahead Clutch and courage, clutch and courage Rolling down the lane Every stall's a lesson, every stop a small refrain Clutch and courage, clutch and courage Soon the road is mine I am learning how to travel, one soft gear at a time Hill start, hill start, heart in my throat Handbrake humming its one low note Then the engine sings and we roll And I laugh out loud, I'm in control Clutch and courage, clutch and courage Rolling down the lane Every stall's a lesson, every stop a small refrain Clutch and courage, clutch and courage Open road ahead I have learned how to travel, and the wheel is in my hands instead Clutch and courage Rolling home