Hired Gun

(Verse 1) Red dirt rising on a county bend, Sunlight bleeding through the cotton stems. A borrowed coat and a crooked grin, I’ve walked these backroads wearing other men’s sins. There’s a sway in the grass when the wind leans low, Like it knows the weight of the things I tow. (Chorus) I’m a hired gun— Not for killing, but for carrying what can’t be undone. I hold the stories folks can’t outrun, ’Til the dust settles down and the hard work’s done. Just a hired gun. (Verse 2) Faded letters in a metal tin, Kept beside a flask where the night breathes in. I’ve seen the quiet break a woman’s voice, Heard a farmer swear he never had a choice. Still the fields keep turning like they always do, And the river forgives more than I ever could. (Chorus) I’m a hired gun— Not for killing, but for carrying what can’t be undone. I hold the stories folks can’t outrun, ’Til the dust settles down and the hard work’s done. Just a hired gun. (Bridge) There’s a promise stitched in the evening air, A weight you feel more than you’re meant to bear. But every soul has a freight they drag, And every lantern burns a different flag. (Final Chorus) I’m a hired gun— A quiet witness in the fading sun. If you need a steadier hand to lean upon, I’ll stay till the darkness is gone. Just a hired gun.