(Intro) (Quick, frantic acoustic guitar strumming starts, joined by a distorted bass line and a steady, driving tambourine hit on every backbeat) (Verse 1) Pack the bag and burn the lease, I’m looking for a clean release From the fluorescent hum of the grocery aisle and the static in the street I’ve got a compass in my pocket that’s spinning like a top And a heart that’s beating double time until the engines stop I don’t want a lawn to mow or a fence to keep me in I want to feel the gravel and the wind against my skin Give me a highway with no ending and a sky that’s turning gray I’m trading in the "maybe next time" for a "not another day." (Chorus) So cut the tether, break the lock, and let the spirit run I’m chasing down the horizon ‘til I’m swallowed by the sun You can keep your steady paycheck and your rows of plastic trees I’m finding my salvation on a frantic, northern breeze I’m wild, I’m loud, I’m finally off the knee God, it’s terrifying just how much I need to be free. (Verse 2) (The guitar gets choppier, more aggressive) There’s a ghost in the machine and he looks a lot like me Punching clocks and checking boxes for a life I’ll never see But the cracks are getting wider in the sidewalk of this town And I’m planting seeds of chaos just to watch it crumble down I want to sleep where the wolves howl and the air tastes like the salt If I end up lost and hungry, well, it’s nobody’s damn fault Just a thumb out on the shoulder and a song stuck in my throat I’m the captain of a sinking ship that’s finally stayed afloat. (Bridge) (Tempo stays high, but the instruments drop out except for a fuzzed-out electric guitar and a stomping foot) No more "sir," no more "please," no more "thank you for the time" I’m committing to the mountain and the struggle and the climb I’m a stray dog in the alley, I’m the weeds between the bricks I’m the fire in the valley and the burning of the wicks! (Full band kicks back in) Yeah, the burning of the wicks! (Chorus) So cut the tether, break the lock, and let the spirit run I’m chasing down the horizon ‘til I’m swallowed by the sun You can keep your steady paycheck and your rows of plastic trees I’m finding my salvation on a frantic, northern breeze I’m wild, I’m loud, I’m finally off the knee God, it’s terrifying just how much I need to be free. (Outro) (The acoustic guitar speeds up into a final, chaotic crescendo) Just let me go! I’m gone! I’m already gone! (Sudden stop. The ring of a single, distorted guitar chord fades into the sound of wind.)
