Pencil Lead and Rust

[Intro]
[Verse]
The dust settles on the shelf
I’m working by myself
In the corner of the shed
Where the old memories tread
The hinges give a heavy groan
A world I’ve always known
Oil stains on the floor
I don't go there anymore
[Pre-Chorus]
Then I saw a flash of white
Hidden from the morning light
Tucked beneath a heavy wrench
On this worn-out wooden bench
[Chorus]
It was pencil lead and rust
Words rising from the dust
He said "Measure twice, my son"
"Before the day is done"
"Keep your edges sharp and true"
"Like the love I have for you"
It’s a bridge across the years
Wiping away my silent tears
[Verse]
The paper’s yellowed at the edge
Like a secret or a pledge
His handwriting is shaky now
But it shows me exactly how
To fix the things that break
And learn from every mistake
He never said much at the time
But these words are worth a dime
[Chorus]
It was pencil lead and rust
Words rising from the dust
He said "Measure twice, my son"
"Before the day is done"
"Keep your edges sharp and true"
"Like the love I have for you"
It’s a bridge across the years
Wiping away my silent tears
[Bridge]
The Wurlitzer plays a lonely tune
Underneath the afternoon
I can almost hear his voice
Telling me I have a choice
To build a life that’s strong
To right the things I’ve done wrong
Solid as the upright bass
I can see his weathered face
[Verse]
I fold the note and tuck it deep
A promise that I’m gonna keep
The arpeggios start to ring
I can feel the hope they bring
The toolbox feels a little light
Everything is gonna be alright
I pick up the hammer once again
The luckiest of living men
[Chorus]
It was pencil lead and rust
Words rising from the dust
He said "Measure twice, my son"
"Before the day is done"
"Keep your edges sharp and true"
"Like the love I have for you"
It’s a bridge across the years
Wiping away my silent tears
[Post-Chorus]
Measure twice, my son
Before the day is done
Measure twice, my son
Now the work has just begun
[Outro]