The Last Mint

[Verse 1] Nineteen ninety-eight, sun beat down On my rusty bike, pedaling through town Mint candies in the basket, sweet and bright Just the Mississippi hummin' in the fading light [Verse 2] Cracked asphalt soft beneath the wheel A squeaking sound, the only thing I feel No working bell, just heat that made the road all gleam Chasing down a hazy, lazy summer dream [Pre-Chorus] Old dock planks and driftwood piled so high Watching barges drift across the sky Counting stones, I'd flick them in the cool Chasing water spiders by the river's pool [Chorus] Oh, that Mississippi summer, slow and deep Secrets that the dusty river banks would keep Barefoot boy with nowhere else to be Just the sun, the town, the river, and me [Verse 3] Sidewalk cracks like veins across the land Every corner store held magic in its hand That peppermint taste, a future I could hold Stories whispered, brave and growing bold [Pre-Chorus] Building towers out of pebbles, small and grey Watching dragonflies begin to play Lost in moments, time began to bend Knowing summer days were near their end [Chorus] Oh, that Mississippi summer, slow and deep Secrets that the dusty river banks would keep Barefoot boy with nowhere else to be Just the sun, the town, the river, and me [Bridge] Tin roofs shimmered, painted orange by the sun Like scissors cutting clouds when day was done Each little house a silhouette so stark Leaving its impression on my heart [Chorus] Oh, that Mississippi summer, slow and deep Secrets that the dusty river banks would keep Barefoot boy with nowhere else to be Just the sun, the town, the river, and me [Outro] Popped the last mint in, let the sweetness bloom Melting slow and clinging in the quiet room Of my young mouth, a flavor I still find That summer sunset etched within my mind.