Blacktop Wedding Ring

[Verse 1]
Coffee in a paper cup
Logbook lying, miles add up
Photo of her on the dashlight glow
Little silver band on my left hand shows
[Chorus]
I’m a ghost on the interstate, burning up the night
Chasing down a front porch and a porch-light
Every white line whispering her name I sing
’Til I trade this blacktop halo
For my blacktop wedding ring
[Verse 2]
Radio preacher talkin’ ’bout sin
I just nod and change a gear again
Billboard Jesus with his arms spread wide
Only thing I pray for is her by my side
[Chorus]
I’m a ghost on the interstate, burning up the night
Chasing down a front porch and a porch-light
Every white line whispering her name I sing
’Til I trade this blacktop halo
For my blacktop wedding ring
[Bridge]
Got a promise in my pocket
Folded note, perfume stain (mm)
If these wheels ever stop turning
They’ll rust in her driveway in the rain
[Chorus]
I’m a ghost on the interstate, burning up the night
Chasing down a front porch and a porch-light
Every white line whispering her name I sing (her name I sing)
’Til I lay this tired body
Where her shadow leans
And I trade this blacktop halo
For my blacktop wedding ring

country, Haunted outlaw-country ballad, male vocals; low-tuned twang guitar and brushed snare rolling like highway tires, with a ghostly pedal steel answering each line. Verses stay hushed and close-mic'd, choruses swell with stacked harmonies and a pulsing, heartbeat bass. Final chorus lifts slightly in key and intensity, then trails off on a dry vocal and lingering steel bend.