On the Line

[Verse 1] I stood by the door in a cheap gray coat Palm full of hope, heart full of smoke You were across the room, cardsharp grin I said my name once, let the night begin Didn’t play tough, didn’t play clean Just a bare-faced man in a stolen dream My hands shook once, then they stayed still I learned real fast how to want with skill [Pre-Chorus] If I miss, let me miss If I fall, let it hit I’m done with the safe little life I’m stepping in [Chorus] Put me on the line Put me on the line I’m taking my shot tonight Put me on the line Put me on the line I’d rather burn than hide [Verse 2] In that backroom glow with the ashtray grin I watched my chance and I moved right in No big speech, just a clear-eyed stare Like a loaded dice that knew I cared You laughed like thunder, said, “What’s your game?” I said, “I came here to know your name” No velvet lie, no polished pose Just a nervous kid in a full-length coat [Pre-Chorus] If I miss, let me miss If I fall, let it hit I’m done with the safe little life I’m stepping in [Chorus] Put me on the line Put me on the line I’m taking my shot tonight Put me on the line Put me on the line I’d rather burn than hide [Bridge] I used to watch from the corner booth Counting my losses, calling it truth But every scar got paid in full When I let my name get pulled Now if the door swings wide or slams I still walk in with open hands No more ghosts in my collar No more choking on the holler [Chorus] Put me on the line Put me on the line I’m taking my shot tonight Put me on the line Put me on the line I’d rather burn than hide [Outro] So if you see me, you’ll know I came alive in the afterglow I put it all where the people can see And that’s the whole damn trick of me