Illegal U-Turn

Songtext

[Verse 1] Chew rolled out past the county line Coffee cooling in the cup A faded sign said “Keep on straight” But he figured he knew enough There was a gap in the median grass And a diner down the lane He cut that wheel across the yellow lines Like the rules were just a game [Chorus] Chew made an illegal U-turn On a stretch of two-lane road One hard swerve, one burst of dust Then the whole truck bucked and rolled Now the county tow truck’s hauling And the sirens split the air Chew learned the road won’t bend for anyone Who thinks the sign ain’t there [Verse 2] The other driver hit the brakes Tires singing on the tar Chew saw the grille come rushing up Too close and way too hard His pickup spun into the shoulder Plowed through weeds and splintered pine When the dust came down, he climbed out slow Shaken, sore, but still alive [Chorus] Chew made an illegal U-turn On a stretch of two-lane road One hard swerve, one burst of dust Then the whole truck bucked and rolled Now the county tow truck’s hauling And the sirens split the air Chew learned the road won’t bend for anyone Who thinks the sign ain’t there [Bridge] At the clinic with a bandaged hand He stared down at his boots Said, “I had a dozen safer miles But I tried to save a few” [Guitar Solo] [Final Chorus] Chew made an illegal U-turn Now the wreck is all that’s left A bent-up fender, cracked windshield And a lesson hard-earned yet So if you miss the turn you’re after Take the long way, take your time Chew learned the road won’t bend for anyone Cross that line and pay the price [Outro] Take the long way, Chew Take your time