Gravel In My Teeth

[Verse 1]
Sun’s comin’ up on a busted back
Coffee tastes like pan dust, black
Got gravel in my teeth, dirt in my grin
Pickaxe prayin’ for a soft place to dig in
[Chorus]
I’ve been diggin’ for gold in a dead man’s dream
River runs thin, but it still runs mean
Cards in my pocket, bad luck up my sleeve
This ground takes more than it ever lets me leave
Yeah, I’m diggin’ for gold in a dead man’s dream
[Verse 2]
Hands all cracked like a creek in June
Talk to the rocks, they answer soon
Every shovel full feels like a deal gone wrong
Every little glimmer just drags me along
[Chorus]
I’ve been diggin’ for gold in a dead man’s dream
River runs thin, but it still runs mean
Cards in my pocket, bad luck up my sleeve
This ground takes more than it ever lets me leave
Yeah, I’m diggin’ for gold in a dead man’s dream
[Bridge]
Folks back home think I struck it rich
Don’t see me cussin’ at this faithless ditch
If money’s out here, it’s buried too deep
All I keep findin’ is the sleep I don’t sleep (oh)
[Chorus]
I’ve been diggin’ for gold in a dead man’s dream
River runs thin, but it still runs mean
Cards in my pocket, bad luck up my sleeve
This ground takes more than it ever lets me leave
Yeah, I’m diggin’ for gold in a dead man’s dream

country, Dusty dark country-blues, male vocals, slow half-time shuffle with brushed drums and a swampy upright bass. Verses hang on a crooked dobro riff and gritty baritone guitar; chorus swells with churchy organ pad and low harmonies. Subtle slide guitar cries between lines, final chorus strips to voice and guitar then slams back in for a rough, haunted outro., blues