Nervous As Hell

Verse 1

Waiting in the driveway forever

Running so late, sweat on my collar

’78 Omega coughing, trying

To outrun lost time, but I’m lying

High beams spill across the lawn

Ozzy’s howling loud, Bark at the Moon on

My hand shakes the gear

Two words — too late

Heart pounding, headlights

Front door swings and the world just freezes

Verse 2

Boots on the porch, heavy as hammers

Father steps out, no pause, no manners

Rough voice, sharper than the barrel in his hand

He raised that rifle, then he spoke his demand

Don’t you ever show up late

Don’t you dare make her cry

Only answer Yes, sir, I won’t

I might die if I try

Can’t hide my terror, can barely reply

Chorus

Then she steps into the night

Perfect in porch light, makes wrong feel right

His eyes on us, her smile’s just for me

Have a good time, he warns, nods once, lets us be

Getting out of that yard, radio blaring

Gas pedal down, trouble daring

Her laughter shakes the fear from my chest

Driving out of town, I got one request

Just don’t let this night end

Post-Chorus

Nervous as hell, but she’s sunshine

Nervous as hell, but she’s mine, mine, mine

Verse 3

Country roads bending under old wheels

Hands sweating, knuckles bleached white

She leans in close, hair in my face

She’s got the kind of smile that could save a life

Clouds chase us to a midnight escape

I’m shaking but she just grins, feeling no mistake

With her I might be late, but never too late

Chorus

She steps out in the night

Porch light shines, it’s a sight

Father’s words still echo, gun on his mind

Have a good time, runs like a warning sign

But we’re down the line, laughing at fate

Gas, gears, borrowed time, first date

Her beauty makes trouble worth each test

When you ride with her, you ride blessed

Post-Chorus

Nervous as hell, but she’s sunshine

Nervous as hell, but she’s mine, mine, mine

Bridge

Now I’m never late to her door

But I’m late getting her home, every night more

Three phrases and a single stare

Father’s voice, her golden hair

Chorus

Out on the town, we’re just flying

Me and the girl, no denying

Still hear that warning in my mind

But she’s my reason for losing time

Post-Chorus

Nervous as hell, but she’s sunshine

Nervous as hell, but she’s mine, mine, mine

Nervous as hell, but she’s mine

Mine, tonight