The Exit Whistle

(Verse 1)
The whistle blew at five o'clock, just like it always does
I climbed into my rusted Ford, still tasting sawdust fuzz
The foreman yelled to stay a while, he had a floor to sweep
But I’ve got bills I'll never pay and promises to keep.
(Chorus)
So take this heavy hammer, boy, and find another hand
I’m traded in my work boots for a piece of stolen land
You can keep your overtime and your 'yes sir' and your 'please'
I’d rather starve out in the rain than live upon my knees.
(Verse 2)
I spent ten years inside these walls, a number on a page
Just watching all my best years die inside a chain-link cage
They say a man should be content to earn a modest dime
But I ain't found a clock yet that can pay me back my time.
(Chorus)
So take this heavy hammer, boy, and find another hand
I’m traded in my work boots for a piece of stolen land
You can keep your overtime and your 'yes sir' and your 'please'
I’d rather starve out in the rain than live upon my knees.
(Outro)
So tell the man in the front office he can keep his pension plan
I’m trading in this company badge to be a different man

Outlaw country, 1970s honky-tonk, gritty baritone, walking bassline, crying steel guitar, rebellious Johnny Paycheck vib