Verse 1 I’ve been runnin’ on empty, chasin’ things that never stayed Tried my luck in Nashville, but the neon felt too fake So I packed up all my heartbreak, threw it in the backseat Rolled the windows down and let the pines remind me who I’m meant to be Pre‑Chorus Every mile I’m gettin’ closer To the girl I used to know And the further I get from leavin’ The more my heart says “take it slow” Chorus ’Cause I’m choosin’ Carolina Where the sunrise paints the sky Where the river keeps on hummin’ Like a lullaby at night I’ve been lost in other places But I finally see the sign Yeah, I’m done chasin’ what ain’t mine I’m choosin’ Carolina Verse 2 Mama’s porch light’s glowin’, like it’s been waitin’ just for me Daddy’s old dog comes runnin’, tail waggin’ down the street And I swear the air is sweeter, when it’s home you’re breathin’ in Guess sometimes you gotta leave it, just to fall in love again Pre‑Chorus Every mile I’m gettin’ closer To the truth I should’ve known You can’t outrun your roots When they’re callin’ you back home Chorus ’Cause I’m choosin’ Carolina Where the sunrise paints the sky Where the river keeps on hummin’ Like a lullaby at night I’ve been lost in other places But I finally see the sign Yeah, I’m done chasin’ what ain’t mine I’m choosin’ Carolina Bridge Maybe someday I’ll wander But I won’t wander far ’Cause this red clay’s in my blood And this state’s tattooed on my heart Final Chorus So I’m choosin’ Carolina Where my soul feels most alive Where the longleaf whispers stories Of the ones who came before my time I’ve been runnin’ from my heartbeat But tonight I draw the line Yeah, I’m done chasin’ what ain’t mine I’m choosin’ Carolina
