[Verse 1] Coffee in a stained white cup Fluorescent dawn at the station Grease on my name patch, boots by the door Another call, another situation Kids’ drawings on the visor Wife’s voice on the line “Be safe, come home when you can” I say “I’m trying, I’m trying” [Chorus] We’re the ones out in the shoulder gravel Hazard lights against the sky Hooking chains in the cold and traffic Putting our lives on the line Every call could be our last one Still we answer every time Light duty, heavy burden Rollin’ while the whole world drives on by [Verse 2] Midnight rain on the windshield Four-way flash from a curve up ahead Drunk kid shaking on the guardrail Saying “Man, I thought I was dead” I load his car, pat his shoulder “Call your mama, she’s been praying tonight” I pull away from the chaos Heart pounding harder than the ride [Chorus] We’re the ones out in the shoulder gravel Hazard lights against the sky Hooking chains in the cold and traffic Putting our lives on the line Every call could be our last one Still we answer every time Light duty, heavy burden Rollin’ while the whole world drives on by [Bridge] Birthday cake in a kitchen Melted down to wax and smoke FaceTime screen at a truck stop table “Make a wish,” I joke (hey…) I can’t hold ‘em, but I see ‘em Smudged handprints on my phone This rollback bed is my second home And that’s the part that cuts to the bone [Chorus] We’re the ones out in the shoulder gravel Hazard lights against the sky Hooking chains in the cold and traffic Putting our lives on the line Every call could be our last one Still we answer every time Light duty, heavy burden Rollin’ while the whole world drives on by [Outro] So when you pass us on the shoulder Say a prayer as you drive through ’Cause I’m out here for a stranger While my family waits on you

country, Modern country ballad with male vocals, steady mid-tempo groove. Brushed snare and warm bass under a twangy telecaster, gentle organ pad in the background. Verses stay intimate and storytelling; chorus lifts with stacked harmonies and a wider drum sound. Slide guitar lines answer the vocal between phrases, building to a heartfelt, arms-open final chorus before a quiet, reflective outro., light

Steel Cables & Coffee