© 1998 Laurel Michaels

Steel strings on a road guitar cut you first
Toughen you with time
I met you bending notes one night
Your hair slicked back 50s rocker style
You scared me first right from the start
Your mouth a smile, your eyes on guard
The road takes its toll on the heart

The highway leaves its scars

Standing on the sad old stage
I know the urge to build a wall or two
How it hurts to stay wide open
Just so you can get across a tune
And then I’ll meet someone like you
Half closed off half full in view
Angry, torn, and blue in equal part

The highway leaves its scars

You love me for the very things
You throw back at me when I get the blues
But don’t those feelings look real good
Dressed up in rhinestone, spotlight right on cue
Until the sadness from the dues you’ve paid
Finds you like a one-eyed stray
Wondering how the Sundays got so hard

The highway leaves its scars