[Verse 1]
There’s one more empty spot
On the tailgate bench
Your gloves still hang there
By the fence line trench
You wore that grin
When the wind got mean
Now the pole yard feels
Too damn clean
[Pre-Chorus]
The office boys came in
With their polished talk
Took a good man quick
Like they owned that walk
Me and Mike just stood there
Staring at the floor
Couldn’t find the words
Couldn’t ask for more
[Chorus]
We keep you near and dear
Near and dear to our heart
Near and dear, my brother
Though they tore us apart
We keep you near and dear
When the breakers roll
Near and dear forever
In the lines we hold
[Verse 2]
You knew every storm
By the way it breathed
How to read the wires
How to keep things clean
You’d slap my shoulder
Say, “We’ll get through”
Now every dawn on site
Feels less like you
[Pre-Chorus]
The office boys came in
With their polished talk
Took a good man quick
Like they owned that walk
Me and Mike just stood there
Biting back the ache
Swallowing the loss
For the crew’s sake
[Chorus]
We keep you near and dear
Near and dear to our heart
Near and dear, my brother
Though they tore us apart
We keep you near and dear
When the breakers roll
Near and dear forever
In the lines we hold
[Bridge]
So we’ll climb up slow
And we’ll do it right
We’ll talk your name
In the cold blue light
Every crossarm set
Every bolt we drive
You’ll ride with us
You’ll stay alive
[Final Chorus]
We keep you near and dear
Near and dear to our heart
Near and dear, my brother
Though they tore us apart
We keep you near and dear
Through the rain and cold
Near and dear forever
In the lines we hold
[Outro]
Me and Mike, we know
What the work still means
You’re in every pole
And every dream
We’ll build on, friend
Till the day is through
Near and dear
We carry you