From the Ridge to the River

Lyrics

[Verse 1] I worked till my hands bled, dawn to sundown Red clay on my boots, dust on my crown Old truck coughing by the fence-line gate Still made it home while the supper stayed warm on the plate Daddy’s shine in a mason jar, amber and slow He said, “Know what you carry, know where you go” My woman tucked close when the night settled in Her head on my shoulder, a half-smile, a grin [Chorus] I’m an American, proud and free Raised on hard work and a family tree From the ridge to the river, I stand my ground With the ones I love when the sun goes down [Verse 2] Coal dust stories and a creek running cold Granddad’s pocketknife, worn smooth with age We don’t talk big, let the long days speak Keep our word, lend a hand to the folks down the creek There’s a fiddle in the kitchen, a screen door’s swing A little bit of sorrow in the songs we sing Still I wake up ready, still I carry my name Ain’t asking for easy, just a fair shot at the game [Chorus] I’m an American, proud and free Raised on hard work and a family tree From the ridge to the river, I stand my ground With the ones I love when the sun goes down [Outro] Hands sore, heart steady, home in my sight My people beside me, and the porch light bright