The Oak at Five AM

[Chorus] Five AM, the streetlights hum low Radio plays a tune from long ago My back cracks, a familiar ache Another dawn, for goodness sake [Verse] Truck stops here, this empty corner space See that oak, a fallen, broken grace Wind knocked it down, roots hold the dirt so tight Another change in the morning light [Pre-Chorus] I pull my collar up against the chill Just another route, another hill But this old tree, it catches my eye Like a ghost from days gone by [Chorus] Five AM, the streetlights hum low Radio plays a tune from long ago My back cracks, a familiar ache Another dawn, for goodness sake [Verse] I reach for my pad, pen in my hand Markin' the map of this tired land This fallen oak, it's more than just wood A memory, misunderstood [Pre-Chorus] Used to stand so proud and tall Watched the seasons rise and fall Now it's down, a silent plea Reminds me of who I used to be [Chorus] Five AM, the streetlights hum low Radio plays a tune from long ago My back cracks, a familiar ache Another dawn, for goodness sake [Bridge] I draw a line, a small X right here Beside the old house, banish all fear This tree's a name I won't forget to see Like a lost friend, it's a part of me [Verse] The engine idles, a lonely sound As paper flies and hits the ground This quiet street, it holds its breath Whispering tales of life and death