[Intro] Ooh, those bright lights Ooh, those bright lights [Verse 1] I left my coat on the back of a chair In a kitchen full of steam and prayer Mama said, “Call when the weather turns” Daddy said, “Baby, don’t forget what you learned” There was cornfield dust on my Sunday shoes And a radio playing the evening news But somewhere past the county line The night kept flashing like a warning sign [Pre-Chorus] And I know where I’m from I can name every road But the moon on the water Says, “Baby, you can go” [Chorus] Those bright lights Are calling my name again Like a song through the rain again Like a dream I almost know Those bright lights They don’t mean I don’t love home They just shine where I’m bound to go And I can’t turn away From those bright lights [Verse 2] Hotel signs in a windowpane Red and gold in the midnight rain A club marquee with missing letters Still looked like heaven when I got there I heard girls laughing in satin sleeves And boys making promises nobody believes I stood outside with my heart in my hand Thinking, “Maybe wanting more is not a sin” [Pre-Chorus] And I wrote my name On a napkin in blue Like a little confession Like a dare come true [Chorus] Those bright lights Are calling my name again Like a song through the rain again Like a dream I almost know Those bright lights They don’t mean I don’t love home They just shine where I’m bound to go And I can’t turn away From those bright lights [Post-Chorus] Ooh, I see them in the water Ooh, I hear them in the wire Ooh, every tower on the highway Looks like a little bit of fire [Bridge] I’m not running from the quiet I’m not ashamed of where I’ve been But there’s a voice above the traffic Saying, “Come on, Carrie, step on in” If I lose a little softness If I change my country smile Will you still know your daughter When she’s shining for a while? [Final Chorus] Those bright lights Are calling my name again Like a song through the rain again Like a dream I almost know Those bright lights They don’t mean I don’t love home They just shine where I’m bound to go And I can’t turn away Those bright lights They’re waiting beyond the glass Like the future going by too fast Like a train I have to take Those bright lights If I follow, I might get burned But there’s something I have to learn And I can’t turn away From those bright lights [Outro] Ooh, those bright lights Ooh, those bright lights Illinois in my rearview And the whole sky turning new Those bright lights Those bright lights
