Arkadelphia

I lose my grip I drive out far

Past fireworks at the old trailer park

And folding chairs American flags

Selling tomatoes at five bucks a bag

When she was young she kept to herself

Now she regrets sending me straight to Hell

She kissed my cheek she touched my skin

She said "you're just as stupid as I was back then"

If I burn out like a lighbulb

They'll say "she wasn't meant for that life"

They'll put it all in a capsule and save it for a dark night

When we were kids free as the air

With a violence craving to turn up somewhere

A tap dancer a memorized number

An avalanche of the deep red clay earth

When it got bad Arkadelphia Road

I couldn't cry I just pick up the load

And feign a strength try to force your hand

But you leave a promise wherever it may land

If you get real close to the ending

I hope you know I did what I could

We try to give it all meaning

Glorify the grain of the wood

Tell ourselves what's beautiful and good

I hold on tight come in from far

I watch the baby run around the yard

Get lonely for what I'll never know

Losing the thread of a story overtold

If we luck out free as the air

With an unrest craving to spill everywhere

We'll weigh what's good and get real old

Keep driving straight searching for a heart of gold

If we make pleasant conversation

I hope you can't see what's burning in me

To see a slip as a failure

A balance I couldn't keep

You count the rings for truth you'll never cheat