Rest Stop Mercy

[Verse 1]
Clock in
Steel toes
Cold coffee in a paper cup
Mile markers in the dark
Tail-lights I can’t catch up
Kids’ drawings in the visor
Crayon hearts that start to fade
He said he’d wait at the doorway
Now that doorway’s empty space
[Chorus]
I’m tired of the road
Tired of the running
Tired of the weight I drag behind
Where is Your mercy in this mirror
In these cracked-up hands of mine
I keep knocking on the sky
But You feel so far this time
I’m tired of the road
Tired of the running
And I’m losing my faith in the line
[Verse 2]
Dispatch on the speaker
Says “one more haul
You’ll be alright”
But the paycheck breaks in pieces
Before it ever hits my life
Mama prays over the phone
Says “girl
He’s got a plan”
But the plan looks like a Motel Bible
And a ring mark on my hand
[Chorus]
I’m tired of the road
Tired of the running
Tired of the weight I drag behind
Where is Your mercy in this mirror
In these cracked-up hands of mine
I keep knocking on the sky
But You feel so far this time
I’m tired of the road
Tired of the running
And I’m losing my faith in the line
[Bridge]
If You’re out there in the rain
In the hum of midnight wheels
Can You hear a broken engine
Can You heal what metal steals
I don’t need a burning bush
Just a shoulder I can trust
One small sign at this rest stop
That I’m not driving into dust
[Chorus]
I’m tired of the road
Tired of the running
Tired of the weight I drag behind
Where is Your mercy in this mirror
In these cracked-up hands of mine
I keep knocking on the sky
Hoping You still read these signs
I’m tired of the road
Tired of the running
But I’m begging You this time

Dusty Americana ballad with female vocals; slow swing groove with brushed drums, upright bass, and twangy electric guitar. Verses stay intimate and close-mic’d over soft organ pads; chorus swells with harmony stacks and pedal steel. Bridge strips back to voice and guitar then returns with full band and gentle tambourine for a weary, hopeful lift.