ONE LAST HUG (Alt 3)

Intro Everybody wants something from death. A warning. A bargain. More time. Me? I just want one last hug.

Verse 1 I’ve been standing by this road Since the county buried me Holding up this crooked sign Like the punchline outlived me Folks slow down, then speed away Lock their doors and face ahead Funny how they pray for heaven But get nervous near the dead

Pre-Chorus I don’t need your sympathy Don’t need flowers in the mud Come a little closer, darling— Even death gets lonesome, love

Chorus Give me one last hug Before the last warm thing is gone Hold me like the man I was Before the whole damn world moved on One last hug That’s all I’m asking you to do I’ve been held down, held back, held guilty— But I was never held by you

Verse 2 Every hand upon my shoulder Had a favor tucked behind Every “brother” came with interest Every “love you” had a price So I kept my feelings buried Six damn feet beneath my pride Now the only arms around me Are the roots pressed to my sides Relax. I ain’t after your soul. I’m just tired Of the damn cold.

Bridge I held my mother when she shook Held my brother when he died Held my tongue for every bastard Held the line when no one tried But no one held me upright When my damned knees finally gave Turns out being strong for everyone Is just a slower kind of grave Give me one last hug Before the road forgets my tracks Wrap your arms around these bones Like you’re trying to bring me back One last hug No prayer, no promise, no goodbye You don’t have to love the dead— Just don’t send one off alone tonight Hold me like I still belong Somewhere beneath this goddamn sky

Outro Well… Whose turn is it?

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