The Barstool

~ Verse One

Hiding in the shadows, avoiding the limelight

I sat alone, not needing words to fill the void

Thought I was protecting you from the man I used to be

Tired and broken, I hated pretending I wasn't damaged goods

I pushed you away with my words

Wishing you'd walk out the door

Forget the man on this barstool

~ Chorus

I'm too tired to pretend

I don't want to share my heart again

You'd only rip it out and toss me away

When you saw the real me

I'll take my chances on the road

Another barstool with my name

Before I settle down with you

~ Verse Two

Another night, another beer to drown my past

Pretending loneliness didn't penetrate

This broken heart of mine

Perhaps I needed to take off, drive to the next town

And the one after that

But something about your smile

Made me stay on that lonely barstool

~ Chorus

I'm too tired to pretend

I don't want to share my heart again

You'd only rip it out and toss me away

When you saw the real me

I'll take my chances on the road

Another barstool with my name

Before I settle down with you

~ Bridge

Your laugh, your smile, made me forget what I was running from

This night, this hour, I could turn the page

Redeem the broken man fighting to escape

But I'm just living in a fantasy

~ Verse Three

Planted my feet on solid ground, took your hand

Danced 'til the music stopped

I let my guard down for too long

Thought I might give in, let you win

Your words echoed in my mind

I need to run, I need to run

From this town and my ghosts

Before they drag you down

~ Chorus

I'm too tired to pretend

I don't want to share my heart again

You'd only rip it out and toss me away

When you saw the real me

I'll take my chances on the road

Another barstool with my name

Before I settle down with you

~ Outro

Walking out the door, fresh air clears my mind

I'll be gone by morning's light

No regrets, no afterthoughts

Don't look back

Don't pine for second chances

Another town to save me from

Who knows what

I'll keep running

Til I'm done

******

After Thoughts

• I can imagine walking into a bar late at night, seeing a lonely figure sitting in the shadows, nursing his beer. His cowboy hat intentionally hides his eyes. He tries to escape his past failed relationships and is not ready to take a chance on love. The pain is too raw. It is too soon to share his heart with an unknown love.
• His temptress is beautiful, kind, and sweet. The soft glow of the stage lights accentuates her delicate features. Watching her move across the room wakes emotions in him that he's suppressed for so long. He wonders if perhaps he could love again. Could he love her? Ultimately, his fear of commitment overwhelms him, and he gives in and runs away before he takes a chance.
• Will he find love again? Perhaps. Someday.