I've been traveling Down a dark road, Going places That no one knows. Now I'm reveling Across the Basin Trying to get back, But no one's waiting. Brace yourself For the first light of winter. Grab the line Before you hit the bottom. There's a hunger That's deep inside. It's got the light, It won't apologize. It's a wild beast That has a grin, And it won't let go. I've made peace with it. Brace yourself For the first light of winter. Grab the line Before you hit the bottom. When the storm arrives, It's got a crazy eye. It has no mercy Until it dies. Now I'm heading north To Baton Rouge, Where the ground is dry, And the sky is blue. Brace yourself For the first light of winter. Grab the line Before you hit the bottom. And the levee's holding fast. They said it would last They promised. Sanding in your darkened bed Beneath the swell Looking for solace. But you had been down so long You knew it was wrong, You felt helpless. And as the pressure starts to rise, It's a matter of time You arrive, At the bottom. Feeling bad, Feeling better. Gonna stop. Write a letter To the government, Powers that be, I've been fighting wars In the name of peace. Brace yourself For the first light of winter. Grab the line Before you hit the bottom. And the levee's holding fast. They said it would last They promised. But you had been down so long, The pressure was strong 'Til you release it. As your spirits start to rise, Make your way toward the light At the surface. And now you're coming up for air, The coast it is clear, You will survive this, Now you're lawless, Now you're fearless.