Rolling Up The Camp Road

Gentleindiepopwithapulse;nylonguitarandsoftpianooverbrusheddrumsandwarmbass.Versesstayintimateandclose-mic’d,withsubtlepadsandchildlikeglockenspieltouches.Chorusbloomswithairybackingvocalsandasimple,chant-likehook.Keepthevocaltender,alittleshakyatfirst,thenmoreopenasexcitementwinsout.,tone

[Verse 1]
Seatbelt tight
Mom’s hand on my knee
Dad checks the mirror
Like he’s checking on me
Penny’s in the back row
Spinning her toy ring
Her chair’s locked in
But her eyes still sing

[Pre-Chorus]
Mile markers
Counting down
My stomach’s a knot
But I can’t back out now

[Chorus]
Rolling up the camp road
Heart beating like the turn signal light
I’m scared to go
I’m scared to stay
Both at the same time
Gonna miss Mom
Dad
Penny’s little sideways grin
Rolling up the camp road
Let the new day begin

[Verse 2]
Radio too quiet
Wind fills in the gaps
Mom sneaks a tissue
From the grocery sack
Dad says
“Send pictures
If you remember to”
Penny leans against me
Like she always used to

[Pre-Chorus]
Her hand in my hand
Can’t say “don’t leave”
But I feel those words
Curling under her sleeve

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
[low vocal register]
Will they know how to help you
If your head tilts wrong?
Will they see your whole story
If you can’t say it long?
I’ll learn every cabin
Every crack in the floor
So when I wheel you in
You’re not scared anymore

[Chorus]