Factory Girl (Revisited Version)

Factory Girl - Ralph McTell

Hurrying across the bridge before the siren calls

This morning she's chasing her shadow along the factory wall

And through the gate where she will wait in line

To cross the yard to clock her card in time

And under her scarf her hair set in curls

The day begins for the factory girl

For a while the girls try to talk

But their voices soon drown in the din

Their eyes watch their hands do the work

And a new day's rhythm begins

No change today like yesterday the same

But dinner soon then afternoon then home

Then hurrying home in the fading light

The factory girl is going out tonight

Her momma says Don't be late

You've got to get up again before eight

Yes she cries but there's joy in her eyes

As she runs down the path through the gate

And out on the rainy streets hoping that the night will last

No whispering palms on the beach

Just the swish of the cars going past

And she believes no one could feel the same

Touching and whispering in the rain

And the rain takes away her beautiful curls

The night is soon gone for the factory girl

And hurrying across the bridge before the siren calls

This morning she's skipping the puddles

All along the factory wall

A starling sings he shakes his wings she smiles

Then at the gate she hesitates for a while

Then from inside the gates the sirens roar

And across the yard runs the factory girl