[Verse 1] They point at our house on the hill Laugh at the cracks in the paint Say we’re loud Say we’re crazy Say their way sure ain’t ours Raise their glass on our bad day Talk big across that ocean bar Till the flood hits their front porch And they’re dialing up our stars [Pre-Chorus] Funny how the fire feels hotter When it’s burning in your yard Name they curse in the sunshine Is the one they call in the dark [Chorus] Everybody talks tough ’bout the USA Till the sky goes black Till the ground gives way When the walls cave in And they’re praying for a spark They come running to that flag When it’s dark When it’s dark You talk your talk when the sun shines But you call our name when it’s hard ’Cause we’re stars when it’s darkest Yeah We’re stars when it’s dark [Verse 2] They joke ’bout our boots and trucks Call our faith a foolish thing Say our songs are too simple Say our hope’s a childish dream But when sirens cut the city And the air tastes just like war It’s our kids in dusty camo Standing guarding their front door [Pre-Chorus] Funny how the tune starts changing When the wolves are at your gate Same old mouth that was mocking Says “Brother Please don’t be late” [Chorus] Everybody talks tough ’bout the USA Till the sky goes black Till the ground gives way When the walls cave in And they’re praying for a spark They come running to that flag When it’s dark When it’s dark You roll your eyes at our freedom Then you beg that eagle’s heart ’Cause we’re stars when it’s darkest Yeah We’re stars when it’s dark [Bridge] We’re imperfect We’re still bleeding We got scars we don’t deny (oh yeah) But when the helpless start to tremble We’re the ones who still arrive Red dirt on our boots Red stripes in that cloth Red blood for the calling We show up Whatever the cost [Chorus] Everybody talks tough ’bout the USA Till the sky goes black Till the ground gives way When the seas rise up And they’re swallowed by the shock They come running to that flag When they’re lost When they’re lost You can curse us in your comfort But you reach for us at heart ’Cause we’re stars when it’s darkest Yeah We’re stars when it’s dark We’re stars when it’s darkest (Still shining) We’re stars in the dark

rock, Gritty heartland rock-country, mid-tempo stomp with overdriven telecaster riffs, big tom-heavy drums, and male vocals. Verses stay lean and storytelling over a steady groove; pre-chorus lifts with organ pad and harmony; chorus explodes with wide gang vocals and ringing open chords. Break before last chorus strips to kick, bass, and vocal, then full band crashes back with ad-libs and melodic lead guitar fills., country

Stars When It’s Darkest