[Spoken Dedication] For the Vietnam veterans who came home to Queensland, including Uncle John, and everyone who returned to no welcome, no thanks, no fair go. For Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi people, and all First Nations people across this land. This is our story. Our red dirt heart. [Verse 1] Sun hangin’ high on the blacktop road Heat risin’ up where the gum-trees grow Servo sign glows in the hazy air Mates all meet up, no care, no care Radio hummin’ out the old-time tunes Cold drink sweatin’ in the afternoon Everybody’s waitin’ for the sun to dip So we can fire up the old ute trip [Pre-Chorus] It’s the summer bitumen burn — Heat in the bones, no turn, no turn! We’re out here walkin’ where the days run long Searchin’ for a little bit of song! [Chorus] Summer bitumen burn — we’re out here cruisin’ when the day turns! Summer bitumen burn — sun goes down and the good times turn! Summer bitumen burn — red-dirt fire in the heart still churn! Summer bitumen burn — yeah we’re livin’ while the wheels still turn! Summer bitumen burn — we’re out here cruisin’ when the day turns! Summer bitumen burn — sun goes down and the good times turn! Summer bitumen burn — red-dirt fire in the heart still churn! Summer bitumen burn — yeah we’re livin’ while the wheels still turn! [Verse 2] Some folks work ‘til the light fades low Some folks wonder where their chances go Some are stuck in the same old grind Tryna find a way to leave it behind But tonight we’re rollin’ down the coast-side track Wind blowin’ hard through the window crack Don’t know where the road may lead us on Just know we’re out here, strong and young [Pre-Chorus] It’s the summer bitumen burn — Heat in the bones, no turn, no turn! We’re out here walkin’ where the days run long Searchin’ for a little bit of song! [Chorus] Summer bitumen burn — we’re out here cruisin’ when the day turns! Summer bitumen burn — sun goes down and the good times turn! Summer bitumen burn — red-dirt fire in the heart still churn! Summer bitumen burn — yeah we’re livin’ while the wheels still turn! [Bridge] Yeah the days get short and the years roll fast — But we’ll hold this summer while it lasts! Out on the blacktop, out on the run — Under the big wide Queensland sun! [Final Chorus] Summer bitumen burn — we’re out here cruisin’ when the day turns! Summer bitumen burn — sun goes down and the good times turn! Summer bitumen burn — red-dirt fire in the heart still churn! Summer bitumen burn — yeah we’re livin’ while the wheels still turn! [Outro] Ute engine hum and crickets fade.
