Lessons Instead

I grew up on backroads and radio waves

Singing along to the dreams that they gave

White lace, front porch, barefoot bride

Thought that kind of love was waiting in time

Mama hummed Reba while she washed the clothes

Daddy said, “Girl, don’t settle, you’ll know”

I chased that feeling with my heart wide open

Till I learned that forever is rarely spoken

But hearts don’t always ride off in the sun

Turns out forever don’t come for everyone

'90s country promised love, but the world handed me lessons

Like how a kiss can turn cold, and goodbyes come without questions

I kept holding on to fairy tales in dusted denim dresses

But the truth don’t rhyme like those old lines

And pain don’t fit in confessions

He had a crooked smile and a pickup truck

Said I was the one, but I ran outta luck

We danced in headlights, we burned too fast

Some songs don’t play past the second track

Now I sit alone with my old guitar

Writing down ghosts that still leave a scar

Every line’s a memory I can’t outrun

But I’ve made peace with what I’ve become

Turns out it ain’t easy being strong

When forever only lasts in a song

'90s country promised love, but the world handed me lessons

Like how a smile can lie, and timing steals your blessings

I wore hope like boots too big, stumbled through the questions

But the truth don’t shine like neon signs

And scars don’t beg for attention

Still I play those songs when I need a place

Where hearts don’t break and dreams don’t fade

It ain’t real, but it’s still safe

And I still pray…

'90s country promised love, but the world handed me lessons

I’ve got lines like lyrics written in my own confessions

I won’t chase that perfect love, just grace in all my messes

And maybe peace don’t ride in on a breeze

But I’m learning that’s a blessing

'90s country promised love…

But I think I found more in these lessons