Back This Truck Up

Lyrics inspired by a few old memories and some daydreaming. Music by Tallboy Toast.

BET THE FARM

Everyone said you were too much of a princess
Out of my league and just gonna run
Well I’m not the type to swing for the fences
My buddies gave me odds a hundred to 1
But when you looked over and gave me half a grin
I said I’m doubling down and going all in

I’ll bet the farm and my pickup truck
The whole pot of chips and a twist of luck
Fields of gold, the herd in the pasture
and every last John Deere tractor
I’ll bet it all, see your call and raise
a glass with you until the sun slips away
and then we’ll shoot that harvest moon
Girl I’ll bet the farm
Girl I’ll bet the farm on you

I want to show you where our creek meets the river
Lie down right there and breathe every sound
like we’re spinning to a Randy Travis record
forever and ever whispers going round
then tell you I’ve fallen hard
and lay it all out for the Queen of Hearts

We could start right now
put some roots down
Let the cards just fall
‘Cause I’ll bet it all…

the farm and my pickup truck
The whole pot of chips and a twist of luck
Fields of gold, the herd in the pasture
and every last John Deere tractor
I’ll bet it all, see your call and raise
a glass with you until the sun slips away
and then we’ll shoot that harvest moon
Girl I’ll bet the farm
Girl I’ll bet the farm on you

LAST BEER

I was working late again
but just in time
Said you’d pick me up
We’d go out keep dancing that line

I was hoping for a good night
Maybe some letting loose
But you left with no goodbyes
No one more tries or the truth

I gave you one last tear
It’s okay honey I got the last beer

I got the last beer at the right time
You took every other ounce of sunshine I’d ever known
I got the last beer when I needed it most
Night was falling and I gave a tallboy toast to drinking alone
You took the reasons why,
the stars from the sky
and you took the last swing out of here
It’s okay honey I got the last beer

I didn’t ask around
Tried hard not to know
where you’ve been staying
and why you didn’t show

I heard it was another guy
and I wasn’t much to lose
You took it all anyhow
and every good memory of you

But you couldn’t say all the cheers
Honey I got the last beer

DRIPPING CLUES

My radio’s playing a love song you should hear
I’ve got the windows down in case you’re near
and there’s a sun waiting to set in the blue pacific sky
Step in the sand and let your footprints follow mine
But I’m never gonna reach you
if you’re not looking too

I’m hoping someday you’ll find me
when you’re ready for something new
‘Cause every place I leave
yeah there’s something I left for you
Whenever you feel like looking girl
you’ll find me out here dripping clues
I’m out here dripping clues

I’ve left angels in the snow, dropped a hundred notes
Every city light that shines is a dream I wrote
I’ve been making signs and putting stakes in the ground
from all those numbered streets to every China Town
But I’m never gonna reach you
if you’re not looking too

Yeah there’s a drink for you at every corner bar
and enough open tabs you could buy every star

I’m hoping someday you’ll find me
when you’re ready for something new
’cause every place I leave
there’s something I left for you
Whenever you feel like looking girl
you’ll find me out here dripping clues
I’m out here dripping clues

Acoustic Version Here

BACK THIS TRUCK UP

I’ve got a picture of you in the shotgun seat
the flicker in your eyes burns on my mind
Every day that truck fires up the regret
of leaving you behind
No one tells you how much it’s gonna hurt
when the wheels are spinning and you can’t find Reverse

We were just kids but didn’t know it then
and we can wonder if we’ll ever run like new again
Eyes closed with a memory in tow
makes it hard to steer
After years of grinding gears and getting stuck
trying to back this truck up

We looked for every shooting star raining down
to tell us what we didn’t know
and when they lit the road out of town
You told me I was leaving alone
But no one tells you how much it’s gonna hurt
when the wheels are spinning and you can’t find Reverse

I’m blowing through every caution sign
and crossing every solid line
‘cause if I can somehow
turn it around
Maybe you’d jump in one more time

Yeah we were just kids but didn’t know it then
and we can wonder if we’ll ever run like new again
Eyes closed with a memory in tow
makes it hard to steer
After years of grinding gears and getting stuck
trying to back this truck up
trying to back this truck up

LIFELONG PRAYER

I’ve been praying all of my life
that all the lonely I kept inside
and every night I spent on one knee
would bring you here to me

I spoke every faithful wish
leading up to our first kiss
looking for a love like this

And when you said, “yes, I will”
Nothing less than time stood still
It was a blessing from the man upstairs
and a short answer to a lifelong prayer

When I met you I found the reason why
the sun rises and the stars align

I’ll remember every faithful wish
leading up to our first kiss
looking for a love like this

And when you said, “I do”
me there standing next to you
It was a blessing from the man upstairs
and a short answer to a lifelong prayer

Yeah I’ve talked to the man up there
I used to tell Him life ain’t fair
but I never gave up ‘cause I always knew
it was worth the wait for loving you

And when you said, “I do”
me there standing next to you
It was a blessing from the man upstairs
and a sweet, such a sweet short answer to a lifelong prayer

THAT WAS YOUR ROSE

Just one of those “that could be a cool hook” ideas. I was going for a Nathaniel Rateliff “And It’s Still Alright” kind of vibe.

I don’t know what it’s worth or if it hurts
When I go looking in the morning light
Are you still around, are you lying down
Is there anything left of the night?
Maybe you drifted off in the dark
but you left a mark
and I just wanted you to know
that was your rose

What do you dream about so far away
and how many miles is too much?
Do you close your eyes, tell me it’s alright
and all we gave was enough?
Or are you standing there
asking when and where
you’re supposed to show?
’cause that was your rose

I hear your whispers bounce against these walls
saying don’t go out where the ice is thin
I’m there right now, we all fall down
and sometimes get up again
even when it’s cold outside
and I’m pulling on every tide
calling for more petals to grow
’cause that was your rose

And it’s so hard counting the stars
that you lose track of all time
Then every goodbye shoots across the sky
before you know you’re left behind
staring in space
the mirror and an empty face
How many times do I have to watch you go?
Baby that was your rose
The words we never say get in the way
and I just wanted you to know
that was your rose

MORE THAN PICTURES

12.01.23 – inspired after listening to the 7/4/2004 live version of Goo Goo Dolls “Iris”

I could hold you here forever
And you’re more than just a dream
’cause you showed me every weakness
I ever wanted to need

And all I see is your footprints
The space between carries no sound
But somewhere you’re more than a picture
Yeah some place I haven’t found

Where were you when I came looking
Did you forget to say goodbye
’cause I lost my way to heaven
and all we needed was time

You said everything is beautiful
whenever I whispered a doubt
And those echoes are more than ashes
’cause you should be here right now

But where were you when I came looking
Did you forget to say goodbye
’cause I lost my way to heaven
and all we needed was time
yeah all we needed was time

Where were you when I came looking
Did you forget to say goodbye
’cause I lost my way to heaven
and all we needed was time
yeah all we needed was time
All we needed was time

HEAVEN’S RULES

We drove out where the wind blows
and shot out the windows
I thought Lord knows
now I can breathe

We gave it all on every kiss
I knew it shouldn’t feel like this
I said past where the river splits
look how far you can see

I wonder if you ever think about me

I’ve taken every remedy
that won’t put me back together
but as long as you’re a memory
there’s another part of forever
to be chasing after you
and breaking all of Heaven’s rules

We both would change is what you said
I was looking too far ahead
a wild blue eternity in my head
you painted gray

I’m looking for a piece of light
to finish off this empty night
but you’ll still be on my mind
all the day

I keep watching you walk away

I’ve taken every remedy
that won’t put me back together
but as long as you’re a memory
there’s another part of forever
to be chasing after you
and breaking all of Heaven’s rules

I cross too many lines
and speak out of turn
You shouldn’t be on my mind
and some things I’ll never learn
‘Cause I’m blowing on a fire that’s been a long time smokin’
and some of us were made to be broken

I’ve taken every remedy
that won’t put me back together
but as long as you’re a memory
there’s another part of forever
to be chasing after you
and breaking all of Heaven’s rules

BROKEN TOO

September 2024 just walking down Main Street

I looked you up
Too far past too late
Kept you in mind
In spite of all fate

If there were a way
Where would we go
I shouldn’t ask and
I shouldn’t really know

I know I’m the one
who’s been broken
and I shouldn’t want you
to be broken too

I passed you on Main
Nearly brushed your shoulder
Your eyes haven’t changed
Maybe a bit older

I bet you’re still sweet
Always were a Daisy
If I turned around
I’d only be crazy

Because I’m the one
who’s been broken
and I shouldn’t want you
to be broken too

I could’ve said
I’ve got nothing to lose
and if you ever needed it
I’d pick up every piece of you

But I’m the one
who’s been broken
and I shouldn’t want you
to be broken too
I shouldn’t want you
to be broken too

OUTSIDE RIVER BEND

11.05.23 inspired by a day fishing Walker Ranch

Someone said there’s fish in the river
check by the bridge at Dearborn Street
but I’ve seen the weight of the weather
and I don’t know what’s left for me

I could be fine
maybe throw a line
in your sunrise
and watch the mend
then wait in the blue
for something to lose
before you get through
the outside river bend

Something told me to let you go
before I twist and turn and sink
but I looked for you high and low
and crossed an edge that I can’t see

I could be fine
maybe throw a line
in your sunrise
and watch the mend
then wait in the blue
for something to lose
before you get through
the outside river bend

MY INVISIBLE SUN

03.12.24 – inspired by Smashing Pumpkins “Snail”

Tell me a secret
I’ve wanted to hear
And show me your truth
The day’s end is near

And I wait for the wind to come
but I can’t wait for anyone
not even you
’cause nothing is undone
and my invisible sun
is burning blue
it’s burning blue

Lying alone
is hollow as it seems
And in the night
We take back all those dreams

And I wait for the wind to come
but I can’t wait for anyone
not even you
’cause nothing is undone
and my invisible sun
is burning blue
it’s burning blue

Tell me a secret
I’ve wanted to hear

SHOULDN’T BE THINKING

That look in the mirror beats me down every day
judging every reason why you went away
but you don’t want to hear what’s on my mind
and I know I should leave those thoughts behind
get over you and fall back in line

‘Cause you don’t see what I see
You don’t picture me
Maybe I’m crazy to care
and moving on is the right thing to do
but it doesn’t seem fair
that I shouldn’t be thinking about you

I shouldn’t remember how you squinted your eyes
when we started those fires under midnight skies
I should look beyond what’s burned down and lost
and bury the ashes of the bridge you crossed
forget the memories in an old shoebox

‘Cause you don’t see what I see
You don’t picture me
Maybe I’m crazy to care
and moving on is the right thing to do
but it doesn’t seem fair
that I shouldn’t be thinking about you

It could be any place under any star
Any other dream that doesn’t leave a scar
Any other time and anyone new
but I’m always back here thinking about you

But you don’t see what I see
You don’t picture me
Yeah I’m crazy to care
and moving on is the right thing to do
but it doesn’t seem fair
that I shouldn’t be thinking about you
no you don’t see what I see
not the way I do
but I shouldn’t be thinking
I shouldn’t be thinking about you

TWO DOLLAR TACOS

09.04.24 a fun, simple Zac Brown kind of jingle that started with a few lines in 2019

I see golden sand
I feel salty air
I smell the shrimp
boiling over there

But I’m only here for
Everything I don’t want to lose
I’m only here for
More tequila, two dollar tacos
And you

There’s a sea foam shore
and a gentle breeze
all the extras
that I don’t need

‘Cause I’m only here for
Everything I don’t want to lose
I’m only here for
More tequila, two dollar tacos
And you

I’m only here for
Everything I don’t want to lose
I’m only here for
More tequila, two dollar tacos
And you

TWO LANE MEMORIES

09.06.24 a rewrite from something that was sitting on the shelf for a couple years

I held your hand real tight every blue sky drive
on highway 24
We rolled top down dreams all over 17
and all those southern shores
I guess I knew you’d grow up and get to leaving
and that two lane was enough to get you dreaming

You said some roads never end
And I might see you again
Well a hundred county lines
And you’re always on my mind
‘Cause every passerby
Has your look in their eye
That makes it hard to breathe
Yeah I’m choking on
Two lane memories

Every last double take hits like a panic brake
I see your face your face
and empty stares passing everywhere
from the ghosts that took your place
and I fingers-cross wonder when it might be you
‘Cause chasing a two lane breeze is what I do

GONNA CHANGE

Vibe and flow is inspired by Whiskey Myers, “Virginia”

Desert heat and hallucinations
All the images shaken
in one goodbye
I don’t know if anything is left
What might be real or just
A mirage in the sky

Maybe you’re waiting up ahead
But this dream doesn’t feel the same
And who ever said
We were never gonna change

Whiskey rambles and confusion
Recipe for all those illusions
Drifting out of reach
I’m looking straight and making turns
That’s how the trail burns
When you’re trying to leave

Maybe you’re waiting up ahead
But this dream doesn’t feel the same
And who ever said
We were never gonna change

I followed where your eyes go
Those flames clear an open road
Only you can see
There’s a slow ticking in my mind
Wind it back and you might find
The ashes of me

Maybe you’re waiting up ahead
But this dream doesn’t feel the same
And who ever said
We were never gonna change

COMING AROUND AGAIN

I just might be a wreck thinking about OBX
And them airplane signs
Telling me just how long baby I’ve been wrong
watching time fly by

In the back of my mind kept you tucked inside
by that southern shore
Was a lifetime ago and I need to know
what I’m living for

‘Cause those words are coming around again
like echoes that never end
What was it you said back then?
Something about what goes around
comes back comes crashing down
and hits like remember when
I lost track of how long it’s been
but those words are coming around again

I still see the signs in the Carolina sky
and I can’t stay away
We won’t know what it means if it’s lost in a dream
Guess I’m coming that way

You said it’s about time, I told you so
There’s some places we’ll always go

I feel that wind crystal coast again
and you’re by my side
Every word is true that says it’s all for you
Yeah you were always right
and those words are coming around again
Don’t care how long it’s been
Those words are coming around again

MAIL DROP BOX

You’d smile and flirt
up late fall asleep on the phone
I was a 20 year fallback
if we ever made it back home

I know you moved on
I feel it every dusk to dawn
and back around real slow
but I still wonder what it’s like in San Antonio

I wrote it all down for you
Don’t know what that letter said
Maybe something like hi
and I wanted you instead
I knew time was ticking
I’m still kicking and cursing that clock
Drove around the whole beach town
Never could find a mail drop box

Spent time drifting on Hillsborough
and all those tired bars
Went over to Franklin Street
To visit old scars

Remember your face
getting out was a race
and I think you’ve won
but I still wonder what sending that letter would’ve done

Every drop of blame and every question why
is another letter burning in the middle of the night

CATCH AND RELEASE

This town is just a name
without you around
Street lights don’t shine the same
from where I’m looking now
It feels so damn cold
You left with a love I couldn’t hold

You should’ve been the first and the last one
the shining down forever sun
before I had to let go
‘cause you know
the signs we all see
they say catch and release

Big plans took you far away
you found the wind to lift those wings
Said coming back might be a mistake
and you don’t owe me anything
So I’ll wait here and watch the tight line
from this place you left behind

You should’ve been the first and the last one
the shining down forever sun
before I had to let go
‘cause you know
the signs we all see
they say catch and release

Don’t you feel me holding on?
I’ve been right here all along

You should’ve been the first and the last one
the shining down forever sun
and you know
I never let you go
‘cause it’s not like me
to catch and release

TOLD YOU SO

I always wanted you to know
But I never told you so

We tried for the moon in a sunny dream
then landed somewhere in between
Baby I loved you as best I could
but I didn’t say everything I should
I didn’t tell you it’ll be okay
before I let that light in your eyes fade away

The devil tied my hands
and you let me go
but I’m still forever damned
’cause I never told you so
I heard you whisper
said bend down low
and I still never
told you so

I don’t even know what’s a regret
Or just another thing I never said
In the middle of it all I thought I tried
just because I didn’t know how to say goodbye
I wanted more but couldn’t tell you how
so what’s it all worth now

The devil tied my hands
and you let me go
but I’m still forever damned
’cause I never told you so
I heard you whisper
said bend down low
and I still never could
told you so

I always wanted you to know
But I never told you so

1005 MILES

I’m up at 2 dreaming about you
I need to know where you’ve been
I know I’m lost in time out of my mind
Thinking about you with him
I know I have no right
but it’s every middle of the night

One thousand and five miles behind
No catching up now
But still wondering how
we’d ever get a chance to find
our come what may
from a thousand and five miles away

I’m up to my neck sinking in what comes next
And I’m still learning to crawl
Don’t know what you’d say,
what’s in the way,
Or how many times I might fall
Maybe it wouldn’t seem very far
but I don’t even know where to start

One thousand and five miles behind
No catching up now
But still wondering how
we’d ever get a chance to find
our come what may
from a thousand and five miles away

If I made a thousand one mile tries
Could you give me the last five?

One thousand and five miles behind
No catching up now
But still wondering how
we’d ever get a chance to find
our come what may
from a thousand and five miles away

ANYTHING BUT NEVER MIND

I’m just the Wyatt
I’m just the Rip
I’m just another lost dreamer
On a cowboy trip

It’s just my mind
Racing like spinning thread
Searching for every word
I never said
like it was you all along
but I left with a never mind instead

I’m tired of my head being such a mess
Listening to every other second guess
and waiting on you for all the right signs
I can’t help feeling like such a wreck
Wake up wondering what comes next
And what I’ll say when I see you next time
As long as it’s anything but never mind
Yeah when I see you next time
Anything but never mind

I’m just the loner
That I always was
They say I’m good for a vanishing
Just because

You tear me apart,
rip me wide open,
break me a little more
than I’m already broken
and I could either disappear
or say all the things you might not want to hear

Back This Truck Up got its start in the Fruita desert and was motivated by 23 big time Facebook likes for “Anything But Never Mind.”

Contact: bradb818@gmail.com