Amber Ribbon

[Chorus] Yellow dust motes in the air, Sunlight through the blinds, I swear. Smell of ozone, mint so sweet, On this Georgia summer street. Brass gleams dull beneath my cloth, Remembering a youthful oath. Ninety-seven, clean-shaved head, Roller skates, the words unsaid. [Verse] Twenty-twenty-two, the world spins fast, But this old town, it seems to last. This hardware store, my father's pride, Where every tool has a story to hide. I polish handles, worn and old, More precious now than finest gold. The ancient fan on the windowsill, Creaks a rhythm, standing still. [Pre-Chorus] This quiet hum, this afternoon haze, Takes me back to younger days. When every corner held a dream, Flowing like a southern stream. [Chorus] Yellow dust motes in the air, Sunlight through the blinds, I swear. Smell of ozone, mint so sweet, On this Georgia summer street. Brass gleams dull beneath my cloth, Remembering a youthful oath. Ninety-seven, clean-shaved head, Roller skates, the words unsaid. [Verse] I can see her, sixteen years, Laughter chasing away fears. Her bicycle, a candy gleam, Parked right here, a waking dream. She forgot it, left behind, A pink ribbon, one of a kind. Trapped in amber, time stands still, On this quiet, sun-baked hill. [Pre-Chorus] That faded hue, a whisper soft, Carried on the breeze aloft. It still reminds me of her grace, And the smile upon her face. [Chorus] Yellow dust motes in the air, Sunlight through the blinds, I swear. Smell of ozone, mint so sweet, On this Georgia summer street. Brass gleams dull beneath my cloth, Remembering a youthful oath. Ninety-seven, clean-shaved head, Roller skates, the words unsaid. [Bridge] Now the metal's cool and deep, Secrets that the decades keep. From screws and nails to paint and glue, Everything feels fresh and new. But that ribbon, soft and worn, Reminds me of the day she was born Into my life, a fleeting spark, Leaving its indelible mark. [Verse] The cicadas buzz their droning song, Where do all the good times throng? I wipe the counter, sweep the floor, Wishing I could ask for more. More of that sun, more of that breeze, More of her beneath the trees. This old shop, it holds me tight, Bathed in this peculiar light. [Chorus] Yellow dust motes in the air, Sunlight through the blinds, I swear. Smell of ozone, mint so sweet, On this Georgia summer street. Brass gleams dull beneath my cloth, Remembering a youthful oath. Ninety-seven, clean-shaved head, Roller skates, the words unsaid. [Outro]