Lyrics
(Verse 1) The neon’s buzzing like a hive on a humid night
I’m sitting on a stool, just waiting for a fight
With a ghost in the glass and a debt I can’t pay
I’ve been running from the sun since the break of day
My old man told me, "Son, keep your head in the clouds"
But it’s hard to see the sky when the law’s getting loud.
(Chorus)
There’s dust on the ledger and blood on the tracks
I’m a long-haul sinner with a weight on my back
They can lock up the man, but they can’t cage the soul
Of a highway drifter who’s lost all control
Yeah, the road’s a lonely mother, and the wind’s a cold friend
I’ll be riding this lightning ‘til the bitter, bitter end.
(Verse 2) Crossed the state line with a suitcase full of regret
And a deck of marked cards I ain't played quite yet
Nashville’s too polished, Austin’s too strange
I’m just looking for a town that don’t want me to change
They want a rhinestones-and-roses, radio-friendly sound
But I’m a gravel-road rebel six feet under the ground.
(Chorus)
There’s dust on the ledger and blood on the tracks
I’m a long-haul sinner with a weight on my back
They can lock up the man, but they can’t cage the soul
Of a highway drifter who’s lost all control
Yeah, the road’s a lonely mother, and the wind’s a cold friend
I’ll be riding this lightning ‘til the bitter, bitter end.
(Bridge)
So pour me another, make it bitter and black
There ain't no turning ‘round, there ain't no looking back
The devil’s in the rearview, but I’m gaining some speed
I’ve got everything I want, and nothing I need.
(Final Chorus/Outro)
Yeah, there’s dust on the ledger and blood on the tracks
I’m a long-haul sinner with a weight on my back
They can lock up the man, but they can’t cage the soul
Of a highway drifter who’s lost all control
Yeah, the road’s a lonely mother, and the wind’s a cold friend
I’ll be riding this lightning ‘til the bitter, bitter end.
Yeah, riding this lightning...
‘til the bitter end.