[INTRO] [Four bars of bouncing guitar, bass and handclaps] Well, look at him go— [VERSE 1] Red shirt shining in the noonday sun Blue cap low and his shoelaces done Little stiff-legged like a G.I. Joe But the beat said move, so he let it go No polished floor, no flashing sign Just a patch of dirt and a little free time Tennis shoes sliding where the hardpan’s dry Every step sends a cloud to the sky [PRE-CHORUS] He ain’t waiting on permission He ain’t practicing a line When the rhythm finds your feet The dust don’t mind [CHORUS] The dust don’t mind if you miss a step It rises just the same Shuffle to the left, kick a little back And let your whole heart play You don’t need boots or a crowded floor Or somebody’s grand design If your heart can find the rhythm Then the dust don’t mind [INSTRUMENTAL TURNAROUND] [Bright guitar and Hammond, no vocals] [VERSE 2] Knees patched up and his elbows square Moving like a wind-up soldier out there Half little fighter, half Sunday clown Still got enough spring to shake the ground Life can make your shoulders tight Put too much weight on a man just right But give him one beat and a patch of sun He’ll remember how the young feet run [PRE-CHORUS] You can count every year Or make this moment mine When the rhythm finds your feet The dust don’t mind [CHORUS] The dust don’t mind if you miss a step It rises just the same Shuffle to the left, kick a little back And let your whole heart play You don’t need boots or a crowded floor Or somebody’s grand design If your heart can find the rhythm Then the dust don’t mind [BRIDGE] I’m not trying to look graceful I’m not dancing for applause I’m just shaking loose the heavy And remembering who I was There’s a boy inside the grown man Still waiting on his turn Put some music in the daylight Watch that little fellow burn [EXTENDED DANCE BREAK] [Walking bass, handclaps, guitar and Hammond; no vocals] [FINAL CHORUS] The dust don’t mind if you miss a step It rises just the same Tennis shoes and a G.I. Joe groove Can still outrun your age You don’t need boots or a crowded floor Just a heartbeat keeping time If you’re standing, you’re invited— And the dust don’t mind [OUTRO] Shuffle left, kick behind Keep your heart inside the time If you’re standing, you’re invited— And the dust don’t mind [Clean, joyful band ending]
