1998

[Verse 1] Back in small town Ohio, where the water tower leans She had stars in her notebook and plans bigger than the scene Junior year, straight-A student, varsity track College brochures tacked up, nothing holding her back [Verse 2] Mom worked nights at the diner, Dad fixed cars down on Main She learned early how to hustle and never complain Every dream she held was bold and bright She knew she had to leave if she wanted to fly [Pre-Chorus] But then he walked in with that Tennessee grin Transfer kid with trouble wrapped beneath his skin Eyes like promises you don’t want to break And for the first time—she hesitated [Chorus] 1998, the fall came fast She had the world in her hands, but love made her ask Do I stay on this road or take a detour tonight? He made her laugh, made her cry, made her question what’s right It was one look, one kiss, one long Friday night That made her wonder if dreams should take flight Or if love could be worth the wait… Back in 1998 [Verse 3] They sat on the bleachers under September stars He played her songs on his beat-up guitar Told her, “You’re too good for this place, you’re meant for more” But she never heard that from a boy before [Bridge] She wrote her essay, mailed her apps Signed her name in his yearbook flap But his voice kept echoing in her mind “Maybe I’ll find you on the other side…” [Final Chorus] 1998, the year she stood still Between her childhood dreams and a brand new thrill She let him go, but the memory stayed That crooked smile, that sweet mistake She packed her bags, chased her fate But a piece of her heart never left that date Oh, love like that don’t fade Way back when in 1998 [Outro] Now and then, she drives that way Past the old school where they used to say— “She’s gonna be something someday…” And she was But part of her stayed Back In 1998