Ten years is a lifetime,
when you’re watching the hands of a clock,
and you wait for the turn of the lock
in a room where the sun don’t shine.
Young man going crazy
as he watches his life slip away.
But he’s biding his time for the day
when he knows he can jump the line.
The Mona Lisa, she comes to call,
every Sunday within these walls
and she gives him a smile.
He gives her the same old line — I’m doing fine.
Hold on ’til your heart breaks,
Hold on ’til your heart breaks.
Stand by me for God’s sake
this kid won’t let you down.
Sawn bars on the window
and it’s hand over hand on the wire.
And he feels like his hands are on fire
but he knows that he’s almost there.
Hop, skip and a heartbeat
and he’s down at the end of the road
and he’s falling away down the slope
and he’s hurt but he doesn’t care.
The Mona Lisa, she’s right on time
— got a car on the yellow line.
She give him a smile.
He gives her the same old line — I’m doing fine.
I won’t let you down
Sunrise on a lay-by
at the end of a motorway dash
and she’s giving him all of the cash
that she’s saved for some rainy day.
Both feet on the dashboard
got a smoke and a beer in his hand
and he dreams of some far-away land
where he’s planning to hide away.
The Mona Lisa she hides her tears
as another dream disappears
She give him a smile.
He gives her the same old line — I’m doing fine.
This kid won’t let you
I won’t let you
I won’t let you down.