Don McGlashan Courier lyrics

I catch the ferry with the evening sun
Everywhere you look there's police with guns
On the bulkheads, hand-lettered signs
In every language but mine
But no mistaking their intention
I think of what I'll buy with the money I'll get
But one false move and I'll get caught
My blood is humming like the engines

My jacket's big to hide the shape
A high-street fortune under silver tape
More uniforms on the lower deck
I think by now they can see me sweat
How I wish I'd never planned this
I think of how you looked when you saw me off
Your green dress slowly getting lost
Among the crowd along the landing

And there's far too many people in the world
For everyone to be just background noise
A handful have to matter more than we could ever say
I just learned this today


The boat leaves the city like a painter stepping back
Centre frame the buildings shrinking into black
While all around the sky expands
I see the clouds hanging on the land
And the grey night descending
The stern wave folds its paper dart
I know this story off by heart
But all at once I can see the ending

And there's far too many people in the world
For everyone to be just background noise
A handful have to matter more than we could ever say
I just learned this today

I don't know why I never told you
I'm out of my depth and I need to hold you