[Verse 1]
My heart got split in two
Right there by you
Now I keep my chest locked up
Like a screen door in the rain
I remember what you said
You want your freedom
So I stand here on the porch
Tryin' not to call your name
[Pre-Chorus]
It ain't easy
Lookin' past the hurt
When every road I take
Leads back to the dirt
[Chorus]
I built this guard up
For a broken heart
You asked for freedom
Now I play my part
Guarded, guarded
That's where I stay
If love comes knockin'
I don't open the gate
[Verse 2]
I got your old flannel
Folded in the drawer
I don't wear it anymore
But I can't throw it on the floor
There's a half-tank truck
And a long back road
Every mile I drive alone
Feels like a heavy load
[Pre-Chorus]
It ain't easy
Lookin' past the hurt
When every road I take
Leads back to the dirt
[Chorus]
I built this guard up
For a broken heart
You asked for freedom
Now I play my part
Guarded, guarded
That's where I stay
If love comes knockin'
I don't open the gate
[Bridge]
Maybe time can rough me up
Maybe spring will come
Maybe I won't flinch
When somebody says my name
Till then I keep my boots on
Keep my words low
Keep one hand on the fence line
Watchin' what I know
[Chorus]
I built this guard up
For a broken heart
You asked for freedom
Now I play my part
Guarded, guarded
That's where I stay
If love comes knockin'
I don't open the gate