Boardwalk Headless Horseman

[Verse 1]
Clock in, sand in my shoes
Neon sun on a Monday noon
Got bags, got boxes, stacked to my chin
Kids yelling out and the crowd pouring in
Headless horseman, I’m running these planks
Chasing my body, chasing their thanks
My name on the schedule, not on their lips
Still I’m the one keeping this ship from a flip
[Chorus]
I’m the manager running this ride
But they treat me like I’m just passing time
Breaking my back while they roll their eyes
Still I’m the one keeping this place alive
Yeah, I’m the manager running this ride
But I’m dying for a drop of pride
[Verse 2]
Supervisor walks by, never sees
The sweat on my shirt, the shake in my knees
Toys in my arms, whole cart on my hip
They only notice if something might slip
Tickets and tantrums, returns and repairs
I’m fixing the mess like it’s just in the air
“Do more, be more,” but when it gets rough
I look around and it’s only me up front
[Chorus]
I’m the manager running this ride
But they treat me like I’m just passing time
Breaking my back while they roll their eyes
Still I’m the one keeping this place alive
Yeah, I’m the manager running this ride
But I’m dying for a drop of pride
[Bridge]
One more shift
One more storm
One more day I keep this worn-out boardwalk warm
One more time
I tell myself
I’m worth more than how they put me on the shelf (hey!)
[Chorus]
I’m the manager running this ride
But they treat me like I’m just passing time
Breaking my back while they roll their eyes
Still I’m the one keeping this place alive
Yeah, I’m the manager running this ride
And I’m done letting you decide my life

Gritty pop-punk with male vocals, palm-muted guitars in the verses and wide open power chords in the hook. Busy bass shadows the vocal rhythm, tight punchy drums push everything forward. Choruses explode with gang vocals and shout-along lines; bridge drops to half-time with a snare-heavy stomp before a final, higher-key hook.