Austin Don't Drink

[Verse 1]
Austin don't drink
That's what he always says
Sitting at the bar
Nursing sweet tea and regret
We slide him a lime
He pushes it back
Says
"Boys
I'm fine like this"
But his eyes drift to the tap
[Pre-Chorus]
We say
"One won’t hurt"
He says
"That's what they all say"
His hand’s on the glass
Like it's halfway anyway
[Chorus]
Austin don't drink
But he does tonight (hey!)
We talk him into trouble under neon bite
He laughs too loud
Says
"This ain’t my life"
But the buzz hits fast and the room feels right
Austin don't drink
Till the boys come around
Then he’s raising that glass
Like it's weighing him down
[Verse 2]
He’s got a girl at home
Counting on him to be strong
He checks his phone screen
Lets it ring too long
We shout his old nickname
He cracks that crooked smile
Soft voice in his ear
Cuts through the noise for a while
[Soft Female Voice]
"Baby
Slow down
You don't owe them this game
You remember your promise
You remember my name"
[Pre-Chorus]
We say
"Loosen up"
She says
"Come on back"
He’s stuck in the middle
Between the bar and the past
[Chorus]
Austin don't drink
But he does tonight
We talk him into trouble under neon bite
He laughs too loud
Says
"This ain’t my life"
But his eyes look scared when he meets that light
Austin don't drink
Till the boys come around
Then he’s draining that glass
Like it might let him drown
[Bridge]
[Music drops softer]
Soft voice in the chaos
Right there by his side (mmm)
"You can leave this stool
I’ll drive
We’ll ride"
He sets that glass down
Like it’s burning his hand
Says
"Boys
I'm done"
Tries to stand
[Soft Female Voice]
"You’re more than this bar
More than their dare
Come home
Come home
I’m right here"
[Chorus]
Austin don't drink
And he means it now
We tried to drag him under
But he turned around
He laughs real low
Says
"I know my line"
Puts his arm ‘round her
Says
"She got my spine"
Austin don't drink
When her voice’s in the sound
He walks out that door
While we order another round

rock, Mid-tempo radio country with a stomping backbeat, twangy electric and warm acoustic guitars. Male lead vocal up front; soft-spoken female vocals as close-mic whispers and gentle harmonies on hooks. First verse laid-back, chorus bigger with gang-style “buddy” shouts tucked back. Bridge drops to almost just vocal and guitar, then a final lifted chorus with stacked male/female parts and a bright, punchy mix., soft, female vocals