[Intro] [Fast, rhythmic acoustic guitar strumming begins, light banjo plucking joins in] [Verse 1] The stoplight on Main Street has been red for a year Or maybe it just feels like time doesn’t work here The lady at the diner knows my name and my face And how I’m still looking for a way out of this place We talk about the weather like it’s life or death news While we’re all just nursing the same small-town blues And the suitcases under my bed are just collecting the dust In a town where the engines all eventually rust. [Chorus] [Stomping percussion starts, driving energy] Oh, this bittersweet hometown apathy It’s the song I try to quit but it’s still singing to me Between the church bells and the liquor store light We’re staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night Just looking for a reason when the winter wind blows In the town that never sleeps 'cause it’s already froze. [Verse 2] [Acoustic guitar gets softer, banjo more prominent] The high school bleachers are starting to peel And I forgot how the wind on the highway should feel We’re driving in circles from the mall to the pines Reading our futures in the faded road signs It’s a love-hate relationship with every brick wall But you know who’s gonna pick you up whenever you fall. [Chorus] Oh, this bittersweet hometown apathy It’s the song I try to quit but it’s still singing to me Between the church bells and the liquor store light We’re staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night Just looking for a reason when the winter wind blows In the town that never sleeps 'cause it’s already froze. [Bridge] [Music builds up, intense strumming, vocal gets more raspy and raw] And I swear to the ghosts that I’m leaving this time That I’m crossing the border and I’m leaving the crime Of staying exactly the same while the world spins away But I’m still at the counter at the end of the day! [Short pause, then loud foot stomp] [Final Chorus] [Maximum energy, layered vocal harmonies] Oh, this bittersweet hometown apathy It’s the song I try to quit but it’s still singing to me Between the church bells and the liquor store light We’re staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night Just looking for a reason when the winter wind blows In the town that never sleeps 'cause it’s already froze. [Outro] [Only acoustic guitar and soft humming] Maybe next year... Yeah, I’m getting out soon... [Final strum] [End]
