Hard-Earned Ground

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Up before the ridge lets go of the dark Hands on the handle, first strike, first spark Worked till my knuckles split, red in the seams Sun hit the holler, still chasing that green [Pre-Chorus] Boots by the doorway, mud on the floor You tucked in close while the rain hit the door [Chorus] I’m American, proud and free Hard-earned ground underneath me Raise one up when the long day’s through Got these hills, got my people, got you [Verse 2] Fence line leaning, old truck coughing smoke Payday’s thin but the whole crew jokes A cold beer waiting, your head on my side No gold in the world beats this life [Bridge] The creek keeps time by the sycamore roots We learned our names in these worn-out boots If the road runs rough, we’ll make it through Hand to the work, heart to the truth [Final Chorus] I’m American, proud and free Hard-earned ground underneath me Raise one up when the long day’s through Got these hills, got my people, got you [Outro] Dawn comes calling, I’ll answer again With the hills at my back and my hand in your hand