A bat chain refers to the chain that hangs down from a signal post on a
train line. The signal device that was pulled down was called a bat and
different bats had different colours to signal the train driver as to
the condition of the track ahead, or whether the train could
proceed,etc.
The bat chain puller was the person who set the signals
for the approaching train according to track status reports received by
telegraph.
The song BCP probably metaphorically refers to the fact
that this job is obsolete in the world of train spotters in this
automated world.
Bat chain
Puller
Bat chain puller
Puller, puller
A chain with yellow lights
That glistens like oil beads
On its slick smooth trunk
That trails behind on tracks, and thumps
A wing hangs limp and retreats
Bat chain puller
Puller puller
Bulbs shoot from its snoot
And vanish into darkness
It whistles like a root snatched from dry earth
Sodbustin' rakes with grey dust claws
Announces its coming in the morning
This train with grey tubes
That houses people's very thoughts and belongings.
Bat chain puller
Puller puller
This train with grey tubes that houses people's thoughts,
Their very remains and belongings.
A grey cloth patch
Caught with four threads
In the hollow wind of its stacks
Ripples felt fades and grey sparks clacks,
Lunging the cushioned thickets.
Pumpkins span the hills
With orange crayola patches.
Green inflated trees
Balloon up into marshmallow soot
That walks away in forty circles,
Caught in grey blisters
With twinkling lights and green sashes
Uuh
Pulled by rubber dolphins with gold yawning mouths
That blister and break in agony
In souls of rust
They kill gold sawdust into dust.
Bat chain puller,
Puller puller.
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