This was the fun prompt for a skirmish, so I went with the darker interpretation of one minute to live. Ordinarily I'm not wedded to the one-hour time limit of a skirmish but given the countdown nature of this prompt, I decided to be strict with myself. It's a fun topic, so I'll likely try to polish these lyrics later, but these were done within the hour.

#lyricsonly #skirmish

Verse One:

The anchor on the local news Was droning; I began to snooze Then she said, with toothy grin A bulletin is coming in Her plastic smile was ripped away I strained to hear what she would say A meteor falling from the sky A minute left, then we all die

Pre-chorus One:

Fifty nine . . . fifty eight There isn’t time to hesitate

Chorus:

This is it . . . it’s the last minute What can we all do? Do we run? Do we stay? Do we curse? Do we pray? Do we try to start anew? This is it . . . it’s the last minute What do you find sublime? Hold a hand? Make a call? Start to weep? Start a brawl? We thought that there’d be time

Verse Two:

The banker’s tie left on his chair Takes one last walk in the evening air The lonely man in 315 Steps in the hall, just to be seen The lovers caress each others’ face Lean in for one last quick embrace The mother holds her baby tight To shield him from eternal night

Pre-chorus Two:

Fifty-three . . . fifty-two The choice is yours; it’s up to you

[repeat chorus]

Bridge:

Ten . . . forgiveness Nine . . . confession Eight . . . release the fear Seven . . . remember Six . . . surrender Five . . . draw someone near Four . . . streets are shaking Three . . . glass is breaking Two . . . consciences are clear One . . .

[repeat chorus]