Gravel and Gray

[Chorus] This highway stretchin' out so far Beneath a fading, lonely star Got miles of gravel, miles of gray Pullin' me back at the close of day Yeah, the dust settles, the engine cools But my heart's already breakin' rules Headin' home, where I belong Singin' my own country song. [Verse] Smell of oil and gasoline Another day, another scene Fingers stained, my knuckles sore Lockin' up the workshop door The rain just stopped, the air is clean Reflectin' puddles, a blurry screen Of the bus stop sign, a faded ghost By the side of the road I know the most. [Pre-Chorus] And in my pocket, worn and thin A photograph, where memories begin That old oak tree, the clothesline high Underneath a summer sky It whispers tales of yesterday And washes all my doubts away. [Chorus] This highway stretchin' out so far Beneath a fading, lonely star Got miles of gravel, miles of gray Pullin' me back at the close of day Yeah, the dust settles, the engine cools But my heart's already breakin' rules Headin' home, where I belong Singin' my own country song. [Bridge] Then the radio crackles, soft and low A melody from long ago It ain't loneliness that fills the air It's a heavy love, beyond compare Like the rich, dark earth after the rain Washin' over all the strain. [Verse] Climbin' in my beat-up truck Leavin' all the daily muck Headlights cuttin' through the gloom Chasin' shadows from this room Of metal, grease, and sweat and toil My roots are planted in this soil And that old song, it understands The call of home, the workin' man's hands. [Chorus] This highway stretchin' out so far Beneath a fading, lonely star Got miles of gravel, miles of gray Pullin' me back at the close of day Yeah, the dust settles, the engine cools But my heart's already breakin' rules Headin' home, where I belong Singin' my own country song. [Outro]