Dust on My Sleeves

[Verse 1]

I learned my name from a weathered wooden sign

Outside a little town where the fields run dry

My mother kept the door lit through the cold

My father taught me never to sell my soul

[Pre-Chorus]

I carried every mile in the soles of my boots

And kept the promises I made as a youth

[Chorus]

I stand tall with the dust on my sleeves

With a heart full of roads and the air that I breathe

Let the whole wide country remember my name

I came up with honor, I leave just the same

No crown on my head, no gold in my hand

Just the word that I gave and the ground where I stand

[Verse 2]

I watched good friends turn hard for a little more

Saw bright young dreams get traded at the store

But I kept one photograph beside my bed

A smiling face reminding me what she said

[Pre-Chorus]

She said, Son, when the hard days call you back

Answer with courage, never with a lack

[Chorus]

I stand tall with the dust on my sleeves

With a heart full of roads and the air that I breathe

Let the whole wide country remember my name

I came up with honor, I leave just the same

No crown on my head, no gold in my hand

Just the word that I gave and the ground where I stand

[Bridge]

If tomorrow brings a mountain, I will climb

If the night takes its payment, I will pay in time

Every scar is a chapter, every mile is a vow

I was made by the road, and I’m ready now

[Final Chorus]

I stand tall with the dust on my sleeves

With a heart full of roads and the air that I breathe

Let the whole wide country remember my name

I came up with honor, I leave just the same

No crown on my head, no gold in my hand

Just the word that I gave and the ground where I stand

[Outro]

When the last road bends beneath the setting sun

I’ll know I kept faith with the man I’ve become