TITLE: Howdy, Ma’am [Verse 1 — laid-back country vocal, barroom swagger] Howdy, ma’am What you doing here alone? With that white hat tipped down And that leave-me-be tone You got smoke in the air And a shine in your eyes Like you’ve heard every line From every fool walking by That one bought you whiskey That one leaned too near That one said, “Hey pretty” Like you wanted to hear You just sat there smiling Like a storm in a glass Three boys talking big And all running out of class [Pre-Chorus — picking up, more country bounce] I ain’t trying to be your hero I ain’t trying to make a scene But I know a cornered lady When she don’t wanna be You don’t need me riding in You don’t need no helping hand But if you want a place to breathe I can be that kind of man [Chorus — big country hook, catchy and clean] Howdy, ma’am I know you don’t need saving You got a wild side heart And a no-way-in-the-world way of behaving Howdy, ma’am I ain’t here to stake no claim I ain’t here to change your mind I ain’t here to change your name But when the bar gets loud And the boys get brave When the room gets too close And you need some space I’ll be right by the door With the reins in my hand Howdy, ma’am I ain’t your savior But I’m a safe place to land [Post-Chorus — fast banjo-pick bounce] Safe place to land Safe place to land Not a ring Not a rope Not a come-on plan Safe place to land Safe place to land Just a ride out the door And a steady right hand [Verse 2 — faster country-rap swing, still twangy] One had a grin like a bad idea One had a line and a half-warm beer One kept talking like he owned the room You looked bored enough to sweep him with a broom You crossed one boot Then you raised one brow Like, “Boys, I ain’t interested Then, before, or now” That old piano stopped When the doors swung wide In rode trouble With a purple shine Full bone grin And a black-lens stare Wings on his back Like he flew through a prayer I tipped my hat Said, “Pardon the dust” Then the whole room learned What manners was [Pre-Chorus 2 — playful, flirty, country phrasing] Now I know you had it handled That was plain as day You were two sweet words From making those boys pay But you gave me that look Like, “You’re doing the most” I said, “Yes ma’am, probably But I brought a horse” [Chorus — bigger country singalong] Howdy, ma’am I know you don’t need saving You got a wild side heart And a no-way-in-the-world way of behaving Howdy, ma’am I ain’t here to stake no claim I ain’t here to change your mind I ain’t here to change your name But when the bar gets loud And the boys get brave When the room gets too close And you need some space I’ll be right by the door With the reins in my hand Howdy, ma’am I ain’t your savior But I’m a safe place to land [Switch-Up — 808s drop under fast country picking] I leaned from the saddle Caught you by the waist That old stool spun around Like it lost its place Your hat stayed clean Your pipe stayed lit You rolled your eyes Like, “Boy, quit it” The boys backed up The bartender froze I said, “Ma’am, you ready?” You said, “I suppose” Then you laughed one time As we hit that floor Said, “I had it handled” I said, “Yes, I know” [Bridge — slower, sweeter country] I ain’t trying to fence you in I ain’t trying to make you stay I ain’t looking for forever At the end of one bad day I know a woman like you Don’t need a rescue ride You just need somebody decent Who knows how to stand aside So I won’t call you mine I won’t call this fate I’ll just be a little peace When the whole world won’t behave [Breakdown — stomp clap, heavy 808, country chant] You don’t need saving No, you don’t need saving You don’t need saving But I can be safe You don’t need saving No, you don’t need saving You don’t need saving But I can be safe [Final Chorus — big honky-tonk country trap finish] Howdy, ma’am I know you don’t need saving You got a wild side heart And a no-way-in-the-world way of behaving Howdy, ma’am I ain’t here to stake no claim I ain’t here to change your mind I ain’t here to change your name But when the bar gets loud And the boys get brave When the room gets too close And you need some space I’ll be right by the door With the reins in my hand Howdy, ma’am I ain’t your savior Howdy, ma’am I ain’t your savior Howdy, ma’am I ain’t your savior But I’m a safe place to land [Outro — spoken-sung, playful] You said, “I had that handled.” I said, “Yes ma’am.” You said, “Then why’d you do all that?” I said, “Well... I was already on the horse.”
