Blacktop Mercy

I rolled in with a bruised-out grin Mud on my boots, sweat on my skin You stood there cool by the door Like you knew I’d been here before My car died by the county line Radio gone, but I felt fine You said, “Boy, you look half dead” I said, “Baby, I’m still standin’” Then you laughed, and I felt that spark Cut right through the dark Your hand on mine, all small and slow And I knew I couldn’t go Blacktop mercy, blacktop mercy Save me now, I’m burnin’ dirty Blacktop mercy, blacktop mercy One sweet touch, and I’m not worthy (blacktop mercy) Your porch light drew a crooked line Across the hood of that ol’ Ford mine We shared one drink, then two, then three You kept that hurt alive in me I told you things I never say How I lost my way in a single day You just nodded, pulled me near Said, “Stay awhile, the night is here” Then you smiled, and the room got small Like the whole damn world could fall Your name hung low on my tongue Like a song half-sung Blacktop mercy, blacktop mercy Save me now, I’m burnin’ dirty Blacktop mercy, blacktop mercy One sweet touch, and I’m not worthy (blacktop mercy) When the dawn came pale and mean You were leavin’ through the screen I grabbed my hat, I grabbed my pride But you were gone by the time I tried Now I chase that burnt-out glow Where the hard rain and the teardrops go If you hear me on the wind tonight Tell me, baby, you treat me right Blacktop mercy, blacktop mercy Save me now, I’m burnin’ dirty Blacktop mercy, blacktop mercy One sweet touch, and I’m not worthy (blacktop mercy) Yeah, blacktop mercy Keep on hurtin’ me Blacktop mercy That’s where I wanna be