At Least Another Year

Lyrics

“Had Another Year” [Verse 1] Dad had that pickup washed and parked With a cardboard sign against the glass. I pulled in Saturday after work, Said, “You’re really selling that?” He said, “Your mama wants her garage back. Besides, it mostly sits.” Then he tossed the keys across the hood: “Make sure the old thing shifts.” [Chorus] We took the long way past the school, Missed the turn on County Two. He said the brakes were getting soft; I said they felt about like new. We talked around the reason We were both still sitting there. He said, “She’s got some miles left.” I said, “At least another year.” [Verse 2] I killed it twice beside the church Where he taught me how to drive. He laughed and reached to brace his coffee, Like he’d done a hundred times. Then a man called asking for the price. Dad let it ring a while. Said, “Your boy’s about fifteen now?” I said, “Sixteen in July.” [Bridge] Back home, I reached into my pocket. He shook his head before I could. “Just make him learn to use that clutch. Don’t let him tell you it’s no good.” [Final Chorus] We took the long way home that evening, My boy riding next to me. Found an empty lot behind the school; He slid into the driver’s seat. He stalled it once and looked my way. I said, “You’re fine. Try again.” He eased it into second, And I reached to catch my drink.