Before Everything Else

Verse 1
He left before the sun most mornings
Coffee black, headlights on
Said, “I’m doing this for you, baby”
Kissed her cheek and he was gone

Mama kept that table ready
Even when the money ran thin
Said, “We might bend, but we won’t break
As long as we’re all in.”

Chorus
Before the job, before the dream
Before the pride that makes us leave
Before the world gets in our heads
And tells us what we oughta be
When it all falls down and nothing works
When the dust settles and it hurts
There’s one thing that stands the test —
It’s us… before everything else

Verse 2
I’ve seen hospital waiting rooms
And front porch summer nights
Seen brothers fight like hell at noon
And fix it all by night

A last goodbye at a graveside
Hands held way too tight
If love’s the only thing we leave
Then we must’ve done it right

Chorus
Before the job, before the dream
Before the pride that makes us leave
Before the world gets in our heads
And tells us what we oughta be
When it all falls down and nothing works
When the dust settles and it hurts
There’s one thing that stands the test —
It’s us… before everything else

Bridge (quiet, tear-jerker moment)
Years fly by like gravel roads
Kids grow up and move away
But they’ll hear our voices in their hearts
Every time they pray

Final Chorus (big build)
Before the money, before the fame
Before the last and family name
When the lights go out and time stands still
It’s who was there that always will
When everything we built turns dust
And all that’s left is love and trust
If I’ve got you, I’ve been blessed —
You’re mine… before everything else

Outro
Yeah when this life has done its worst
We choose each other first.

Emotional modern country, gritty male vocal, slow build, stomping drums, big hook, steel guitar, arena singalong