The Memory

(Verse 1)
The factory gate is chained and locked tight
They moved the whole line in the middle of the night
The foreman just shrugged and he handed me a check
While I’m still feeling that sand on my neck
I walked up the drive to an empty front hall
No pictures of us left up on the wall
She took the good car and the dog and the keys
Left me with nothing but shaking in my knees
(Chorus)
Empty bottles on a hardwood floor
I don’t know who I am no more
The silence is a loud, ringing sound
Since they put my brothers in the ground
(Verse 2)
The morning is grey and the whiskey is cheap
I’m tired of the secrets I’m trying to keep
I stare at my medals and I stare at the sky
Counting the reasons I didn't just die
The bank sent a letter, the power’s been cut
Every door in this town is staying bolted shut
I can’t find a rhythm, I can’t find a place
I’m sick of the memory of her face
(Chorus)
Empty bottles on a hardwood floor
I don’t know who I am no more
The silence is a loud, ringing sound
Since they put my brothers in the ground
(Bridge)
One more glass to numb the head
One last look at the unmade bed
I’m tired of the fight, I’m tired of the day
There ain't no reason left to stay
(Outro)
I pick it up, it’s cold and black
There ain't no way of turning back
The lights go out, the room gets still
Against my own damn will

Gravelly Outlaw Country, raw male voice, solo acoustic guitar, whiskey-soaked, mournful, lonesome, gritty, sparse, sad