[Verse 1]
Pulled off at the rusted exit
Same sign, fresh coat of paint
They paved the gravel lot at the diner
But the coffee tastes the same
Your house has a stranger's car in the driveway
Our initials faded from the tree
This place got older in a hurry
Guess it did the same to me
[Chorus]
Backroads to the same old town
Everything's different, but it's all still around
Ghosts in hoodies on the high school steps
Laughing like we never learned regret
I swear I hear our names in the crowd
Even when you're not here now
Backroads to the same old town
Bringing me back, then letting me down
[Verse 2]
Mall's a graveyard full of chain stores
Arcade's some boutique wine
They tore down the field by the river
Built houses on our goal line
Saw my reflection in the shop glass window
Wearing all my parents' fears
Still, the clerk from senior year
Recognized me through the years (hey)
[Chorus]
Backroads to the same old town
Everything's different, but it's all still around
Ghosts in hoodies on the high school steps
Laughing like we never learned regret
I swear I hear our names in the crowd
Even when you're not here now
Backroads to the same old town
Bringing me back, then letting me down
[Bridge]
I drive past where we swore we'd leave
Middle fingers to this street
Now I'm circling the block again
Like I never really did
Some scars grew over, some stayed sore
Some doors locked, but here's one door
My old room still has that nail
Where I hung my hope for sale (oh)
[Chorus]
Backroads to the same old town
Everything's different, but it's all still around
Ghosts in hoodies on the high school steps
Laughing like we never learned regret
I swear I hear our names in the crowd
Singing from the past too loud
Backroads to the same old town
Breaking me open just to stitch me now