We were burnin’ north from the Kern County line Seventy-six El Camino, primer red like a faded stop sign Best friend ridin’ shotgun, his girl almost in his lap Pointed toward St. George Utah, we had the map Four miles shy of the Vegas glow That motor knocked like it wanted to go One last cough, one final wheeze Left us stranded in the desert breeze Steam rollin’ up like a busted dream Neon buzzin’ in the distance beam Four miles from Vegas, I said we had to walk Draggin’ suitcases she won’t leave, enough with the talk Throwin’ rocks at billboard breaking neon lights Mad at the world on one of the warmest desert nights Didn’t have luck but we had some nerve Three dumb kids with a whole lot to serve Yeah life don’t stall — it just rearranges Four miles from Vegas Rose said, “I ain’t leavin’ nothin’ behind” So we dragged her world down the 15 line Suitcases grindin’ asphalt slow Semi trucks shakin’ as they blow Found a motel with a pool half dry Ice machine screamin’ like it might die Lady at the desk didn’t ask no names Just slid us the key and played her games Called an old flame up in Enterprise She said, “We’ll haul it back, that’ll be fine.” Woke up feelin’ like I missed somethin’ big Said, “I gotta grab that piece from the rig.” Walked alone through desert heat Boots crunchin’ gravel under my feet Soon as I popped that El Camino door Van full of trouble slid in for some more “Hey man, you need some help tonight?” They kept on comin’ — didn’t feel right I said, “Nah, boys, I’m doin’ just fine.” Had that pistol hangin’ low at my side Didn’t raise it, didn’t shout Just stood my ground in the Vegas drought They saw the steel, didn’t want the smoke Jumped back in their van that started to choke Four miles from Vegas, heat and fear Dust in my throat but my head was clear I don’t like guns but that day I knew Sometimes steel’s all that’ll see you through Didn’t fire a shot, didn’t make a sound Just held my ground till they turned around Yeah life don’t stall — it rearranges Four miles from Vegas (Bridge – Storytelling Style) Ex showed up with her brand-new man Trailer rattlin’ across the sand Loaded that Chevy like a wounded horse Headed north, now back on course But she started flirtin’ with my best friend Right in front of Rose — that was the end Rose got mad, caught a Greyhound ride Drama packed up and they both said goodbye Traded that gun for a Samurai ’86 black, barely survived Four-wheel drive and a crooked grin Felt like freedom when I climbed in Drove that thing back home alone Desert dust and dial tone From busted Chevy to second chance Sometimes life’s just dumb luck and stance (Final Chorus – Bigger, rowdier) Four miles from Vegas, young and wild Neon sparks and desert miles Motor blown but we rolled on through Lost a car but I found somethin’ true You don’t need luck, you just need grit Stand your ground and don’t you quit Life don’t stall — it rearranges Four miles from Vegas

Four Miles From Vegas