[Verse 1 – Quiet, fingerpicked guitar] I woke to the sound of pine trees weepin’ A cradle of snow, the wind still sleepin’ They say I was born in the heart of Maine But the woods don’t name you — the saw does that shame [Verse 2 – Slide guitar enters like a distant cry] Minnesota built me ten stories tall Steel and cement, but I don’t recall They chiseled my face where the tourists tread But I ain't there — I'm where the cedars bled [Chorus – Echoing harmonies, ghostly] These are the states that claimed me... Carved my name in bark and stone But none of ‘em really made me... I'm the echo of a land they don’t own From Bemidji down to Bangor’s breath They dressed me up and sold my death [Verse 3 – Bass enters like a heartbeat, slow and low] Michigan called me son of the storm Oscoda said I was legend born Wisconsin gave me boots and beer But I never stayed, just disappeared [Bridge – Spoken, low and gritty] You don’t plant giants, friend — You grow ‘em from sorrow From hands that felled forests And feet that crushed tomorrow [Final Chorus – Crashing drum like a falling tree] These are the states that claimed me... Hung my shadow over schools and signs But none of them ever saved me... From fading into powerlines They built their myths on what they burned And left my soul... unreturned [Outro – Fading banjo, soft footstep rhythm] So if you see me walkin' past a northern pine Don't wave hello... just read the line That tree still knows what I became And it don’t care who stakes my name
