[Verse 1]
I rolled in late with the county dust
One blue shirt and a tank half-full
Your porch light burned like a dare to me
So I killed that Ford by the sycamore tree
[Pre-Chorus]
You said, "Boy, trouble follows where you go"
I said, "Baby, I already know"
[Chorus]
I’m a hard-luck rider with a two-step grin
Boots on the floor, let the bad times in
Got a rusted heart and a borrowed name
Still walk straight through a crooked game
If you want a man who won’t play tame
Come on, darlin’, stand close to the flame
[Verse 2]
There’s a Bible by the kitchen sink
And a pawnshop ring that’s starting to stink
Your brother swears I owe him ten
But I paid that debt in a county pen
[Pre-Chorus]
You said, "Boy, you never stay nowhere"
I said, "Baby, I stay when you’re there"
[Chorus]
I’m a hard-luck rider with a two-step grin
Boots on the floor, let the bad times in
Got a rusted heart and a borrowed name
Still walk straight through a crooked game
If you want a man who won’t play tame
Come on, darlin’, stand close to the flame
[Bridge]
Let the sirens sing down Route Nine
Let the river take what was never mine
I’ve got one good promise left to spend
I’ll be your outlaw, you be my friend
[Final Chorus]
I’m a hard-luck rider with a two-step grin
Boots on the floor, let the bad times in
Got a rusted heart and a borrowed name
Still walk straight through a crooked game
If you want a man who won’t play tame
Come on, darlin’, stand close to the flame
Yeah, come on, darlin’, stand close to the flame
[Outro]
When the last bar closes and the gravel turns cold
I’ll be right beside you, doing what I’m told