Intro (instrumental – 45s) (Clean guitars ring, slow drum taps, organ bed underneath) Verse 1 I was raised on borrowed answers And a screen door bangin’ shut Every lesson learned the hard way Every dream half built from dust You held on like roots in red clay I kept hearin’ wheels at night Some folks bloom where they’re planted Some are built to chase the light Verse 2 I tried standin’ in your shadow Tried quietin’ the call But the sky don’t stop pullin’ Just ’cause you love the wall It ain’t anger, it ain’t failure It ain’t pride that makes me go It’s the same damn fire that taught me How to stand when winds blow Chorus (slow, open) If I leave, don’t call it running I stayed long, I stood my ground Every mile I’m movin’ onward Was earned honest, not backed down I don’t break what I believe in I don’t lie to justify I’m just walkin’ where the road keeps goin’ With my eyes on open sky Instrumental Breath (20s) (Light guitar fills, bass melodic) Verse 3 I’ve seen men grow old in comfort Still wonder what they missed I’d rather carry every scar Than die wonderin’ about this There’s a peace that comes with leavin’ When you finally tell the truth Some doors close behind your back Just to prove you still can move Chorus (slightly lifted) If I leave, don’t curse my name Don’t say I chose wrong or right Every heart’s got different chains Every soul a different fight I don’t chase some reckless freedom I respect what this costs me But I won’t trade breath for safety Or my voice for sympathy Bridge (spoken-sung, very Skynyrd) I loved you the best way I knew how But I can’t stay just to stay That kind of promise breaks a man Long before it breaks the day (Drums begin to push) Final Chorus (full lift) So I go with my head still steady No regret and no disguise I gave everything I had here Now I answer somethin’ higher If you hear my engine fading Don’t you hang your head and cry I ain’t gone—I’m just finally Livin’ wide enough to fly
