One More Time in the Tree Stand

Sparsefolkballadwithmalevocals,close-mic’dacousticguitar,softuprightbass,anddistantpedalsteelswells.Intimate,almostwhisperedverses;choruswidenswithstackedharmoniesandasubtleorganpad.Gentlebrushkitenterssecondchorus,buildingemotionthendroppingbacktoguitarandvoicefortheoutro,lettingthelyriccarrytheweight.,emotional,sad

[Verse 1]
Two worn jackets on the backroom hook
Still smell like pine and cold October rain
Dad’s old boots kicked under my bed
Big bro’s cap on the dash
Burned in my brain

We used to sneak out before first light
Thermos coffee
Half-awake
Half alive
You’d laugh when I tripped in the tall
Wet grass
Now it’s just me and the echo of your laughs

[Chorus]
I’d give anything to go hunting with you one more time
Walk that ridgeline
Hear you breathing in the quiet
Now it’s just me and these fading scenes
Rust on the rifle
Ghosts in the trees
My whole world cracked the day you said goodbye
I’d give anything to go hunting with you one more time

[Verse 2]
Tackle box sitting where you left it last spring
Lures still tangled in a mess of old line
Every lake we loved feels like a grave
Every sunrise just reminds me what died

Tried to cast out from our favorite rock
Hands kept shaking till I had to sit down
Water was shining like your Sunday smile
But every ripple just pulled me farther down

[Chorus]
I’d give anything to go fishing with you one more time
Hear you cuss when the big one slips the line
Now it’s just me and this empty seat
Mud on the shore
Boots on my feet
My whole world broke the day you closed your eyes
I’d give anything to go fishing with you one more time

[Bridge]
How am I supposed to move on
When every trail
Every pond
Has your names carved deep in the bark
I drive past the turnoff
Kill the lights
Then turn off
Sit in the dark
Falling apart

[Chorus]
I’d give anything to go hunting with you one more time
Both your voices arguing which way the deer might climb
Now it’s just me and this heavy sky
Two less laughs
Two more goodbyes
My whole life changed the day you had to die
I’d give anything to go hunting with you one more time

[Outro]
So I’ll wear your jacket when the seasons change
Talk to the wind like it carries your names
If you can see me from the other side
I hope you know I’m still that kid inside
I’d give anything
One more cast
One more climb
One more dawn
With you by my side