1. Lineman's Song

1. The Sunday showdown finally here an hour or so away
Week 18, and no retreat, there was a game to play
The lineman walked across the chalk, pawed his sharp cleats in
Down into the tired grass, now bending in the wind.

2. So many times, he’d tried to leave this unforgiving game
But like some small pathetic moth, keeps running to the flames
He watched his teammates jog on by as they took the field in two’s
He’d guard those boys the best he could, then spring the runner loose.

CHO All the game balls, hits and years wore thin his safe veneer
Lately he’d been barely hanging on
To a small-town country boy, the bright lights seemed unreal
Now he wants to shout how he really feels…

3. He shuffled past the coach’s bark “go get me ten” the cry.
At the set, he glanced across into the Monster’s eyes
A frothing grim and angry mass, no doubt this must be him
Word had spread around the league, you don’t mess with The Finn.

4. At the snap the Monster pounced, the lineman staked his mark
The seconds seemed to pass so slow, his grip would come apart
He panted, huffed and tried his best, but couldn’t hold his ground
The Monster’s strength was just too much. The lineman tumbled down.

5. At fourth and 1, he made a pledge “whatever it will take”
His move was quick, in a moment’s blink he took the game away
He pushed and shoved and led his man in safely for the score
Then fell into a pile of joy, he’d not take one hit more

6. As he lay there in a heap, his thoughts turned way inside
He’d live to fight another week with sweat, and hurt and pride
One more time he’d have a chance to feel just like a king
One more time to try again to wear the winner’s ring.