The Next Hard Thing

[Instrumental intro] [Verse 1 - Bubba MALE] Fourteen on the practice field With a helmet in his hands Every drill was getting harder Than the one he'd learned to stand Thought that maybe he should quit it Find a road that felt more light But the coach said let's take one step Learn this play before tonight [Chorus - Bubba and Darlene FEMALE harmony] The next hard thing ain't proof you're failing It's a place you haven't learned Ask for help and take your time now Let the lesson have its turn You can rest and change direction You can choose what matters most Don't let fear alone decide it Before you know [Verse 2 - Darlene FEMALE] This is not a tale of trophies Nobody can promise gold It's a story of a youngster Finding what his hands can hold And the older folks among us Have a practice field as well When the next day looks too heavy There's another truth to tell [Chorus - duet] The next hard thing ain't proof you're failing It's a place you haven't learned Ask for help and take your time now Let the lesson have its turn You can rest and change direction You can choose what matters most Don't let fear alone decide it Before you know [Instrumental solo and break] [Bridge - intimate then build] Faith can walk beside good coaching Courage doesn't work alone There's a strength in asking questions There's a wisdom being shown [Final chorus - full duet] The next hard thing ain't proof you're failing It's a place you haven't learned Ask for help and take your time now Let the lesson have its turn You can rest and change direction You can choose what matters most Don't let fear alone decide it Before you know [Outro - resolve naturally] The Next Hard Thing [Instrumental ending]