Heat waves on the blacktop dancin’, Outside the store, the gas pump’s slow. Change rattles in the cup holder, Country music plays on the radio. Door chime rings as we walk in, Me and my sister race to the shelf. He buys two drinks, wet and cold, Says, “Slow down, girls — there’s plenty left.” That long row full of dreams, Wrappers shining down the row, Like treasure to kids like us. Chorus 1 Candy on the counter, two for a buck, Payday treat from a father’s luck. He said, “Pick one, kid,” with that crooked grin, That’s the way he let the love slip in. Verse 2 Saturday light through the station glass, A jingle for some cartoon snack. He smelled like diesel and salt and sweat, Said, “Girls... Don’t tell your mama that.” We’d ride back home with the windows down, Chocolate on my tongue, Learning that sweetness never lasts long — But that’s how love is sung. Chorus 2 Candy on the counter, two for a buck, Small mercies when the times got tough. He said, “Pick one, kid,” and I never knew That was him sayin’ I love you. Bridge Now the gas station’s gone, Turned into some car wash chain. I still drive by when I’m back in town, Taste that sugar in the rain. Final Chorus Candy on the counter, ghost of a smile, I see his reflection in the glass for a while. He said, “Pick one, kid,” and I still do — Every song’s just a piece of the sweetness he knew. Outro (soft) Heat waves hummin’, Gulf wind low, Candy wrappers in the undertow.
