Black Velvet

Nine lives and I haven't even used up one

Spilling through the alleyways when the day is done

Green eyes cutting through the thick October fog

While the morning mist settles down on the bog

You see a crossing path and you think it’s bad luck

But you’re just a tourist who got a little stuck

I move without a sound on the velvet paws

Blending right in with the evening's flaws

Sleek black velvet moving through the dead leaves

A little superstition that the whole town believes

The rim-shot snaps like a twig in the yard

You try to look tough but it isn't that hard

To see you’re shaking when the music box plays

We’ve been owning the night since the ancient days

Faint click of a claw on the hardwood floor

You check the lock twice but I’m behind the door

A low shadow vocal purring right in the bass

Putting a chilling little look on my face

You left a bowl of milk out on the back porch

But the ritual is changing under the torch

I’m not a pet, I’m the keeper of the gate

And you’re just a little bit late for the date

Sleek black velvet moving through the dead leaves

A little superstition that the whole town believes

The rim-shot snaps like a twig in the yard

You try to look tough but it isn't that hard

To see you’re shaking when the music box plays

We’ve been owning the night since the ancient days

A low hiss escapes from the dark city park

While the lampposts flicker out into the dark

You think you see a silhouette against the brick

But the shadows play a clever little mind trick

I'm the midnight whisper that you can't erase

A sudden rush of wind right across your face

The clock strikes twelve and the street goes cold

For a story that has never been properly told

(Sub-bass drops out leaving only the rhythm of rustling leaves)

Tail flicking left, eyes turning right

We don't need a map to navigate the night

From the rooftop ledger to the basement stone

October is a kingdom that I rule alone

(Shadow Vocal whispers)

Step aside.

You're blocking the moon.

Sleek black velvet moving through the dead leaves

A little superstition that the whole town believes

The rim-shot snaps like a twig in the yard

You try to look tough but it isn't that hard

To see you’re shaking when the music box plays

We’ve been owning the night since the ancient days

(Foley sound of a cat's low purr blended with a detuned vintage key)

Black velvet.

Watch your step.

(The sharp sound of a door latch clicking shut on the final beat)