Hook On The Highway

Coffee in a paper cup

Headlights cutting through the dust

Name on the door

Paint peeling off

But it still pulls

Like it always does

3 a.m

That radio hum

Phone lights up

Another one stuck

You just nod

Toss the cup to the floor

Turn the key

And roll on out

You’re the hook on the highway

Showing up when the night feels long

Pulling weight that nobody sees

Then you’re gone before the dawn

In the rain

In the black ice glow

When the whole world’s sliding off the road

You’re the hook on the highway

Getting strangers home

Flares in the dark

Red smoke and fear

Shaking hands

“man

I’m glad you’re here”

You talk ‘bout weather

And where they’re from

Just to calm that trembling voice

Old ball cap

Grease on your sleeve

Family picture on the dash by the keys

You miss birthdays

School plays

Sunday meals

Chasing broken down dreams

You’re the hook on the highway

Showing up when the night feels long

Pulling weight that nobody sees

Then you’re gone before the dawn

In the snow

In the heat-wave haze

When the engine gives out halfway

You’re the hook on the highway

Getting strangers home

Who comes running when the world stands still? (yeah)

When the plans fall apart on a blind curve hill

You just flip those lights

Say

“We’ll get you through”

Drive off quiet

Like heroes do

You’re the hook on the highway

Showing up when the night feels long

Pulling weight that nobody sees

Then you’re gone before the dawn

Every mile

Every gravel road

Every “thank you” mumbled low

You’re the hook on the highway

Getting strangers home

Headlights fade in the rearview glass

Another call

Another off-ramp

You just drive

‘til the dark turns gold

Hook on the highway

Getting strangers home