Tension 10, 000 Maniacs

[Verse 1:]
As frail hinges pivot on a case's door
Commemorative souvenirs from places
Containers change with each occasion

[Verse 2:]
A cellophane encased displaying paper certificate
To credit years of service
A tool of central enterprises

[Verse 3:]
The early hope for permanence
The words, the rings, consistency
And social security
The miracle's high tragedy

[Bridge 1:]
A thought mistaken for a memory
Clear the dust from the smiles in boxes
Cross a patterned wall, recall the voices

[Verse 4:]
A local post will list your friends
In order of disappearance
Lawn-scattered tins feed birds
A portion baked for absent guests