Sunrise rolls gold across the county fairground
My boots lift high on the echo of the drumline
Crowd hands throw confetti like wildflower petals
One true voice cheers louder than the steeple bells
Engines of envy hum low beyond the barricade
Dust devils of doubt swirl in the distant lot
My pulse kicks harder toward the roaring lights
Stand by my side through the ride
Share every rise with full pride
Hold when the tears start to slide
True hearts never measure the tide
Stand by my side through the ride
Stand by my side through the ride
Storm clouds drop heavy on the cracked tin roof
Trophies feel hollow in the thunder of regret
One real shoulder stays warm in the lightning flash
Fake smiles drift off like paper boats in floodwater
Spotlights fade and cold silhouettes gather
They whisper comfort that tastes of rusted sugar
Their laughter grows bright only when I stumble
Each cheer a mirror gleaming with someone elses sorrow
Steel guitar cries over prairie winds of memory
Bonfire sparks paint halos around loyal silhouettes
The night air smells of courage and cedar smoke
Drums roll distant like hooves over rolling mesa
A single hand clasps mine with steady thunder
Together we step into the blazing horizon
Boots strike oak boards showering sparks of promise
Fiddle streaks comet trails across electric sky
Voices merge rising like a storm born river
Hype swells fierce breaking every jealous chain
Stand by my side through the ride
Share every rise with full pride
Hold when the tears start to slide
True hearts never measure the tide
Stand by my side through the ride
Stand by my side through the ride
Guide every stride with pure pride
Shine like a star at my side
