Yield Point

[Verse 1]
The number 29 bus window sweats in the dawn's grey light.
That polyester uniform's a half-size too damn tight.
The smell of last night's bleach still clinging to your hair,
A hairline crack that spiders out from a silent, fixed-on stare.

[Chorus]
You're worth more than the copper in their pocket.
You're a hull they're trying to scuttle, just to watch it.
And I feel the shear stress building up inside my bones.

[Verse 2]
Heard him say, "Just smile. It's policy. Make it look right."
The pudgy git stinking of aftershave and last night.
Your spine's got a permanent list to the starboard side,
From carrying plates and a tension you can't hide.

[Chorus]
You're worth more than the copper in their pocket.
You're a hull they're trying to scuttle, just to watch it.
And I feel the shear stress building up inside my bones.

[Bridge]
And the waterline is creeping up your neck now, ain't it dear?
Every tide they push you under is another wasted year.
They're paying you in ballast just to keep you on the floor.

[Outro]
One of these days, you won't bend.
You'll just break.