[Intro]

[Intro] (Slow, haunting acoustic guitar picking. A distant slide guitar whines) (Deep, weary hum) Hmmmm... [Verse 1] (Just acoustic guitar and voice, very intimate) I hammered the nails and I bought the land Put a heavy gold ring right on your hand I pulled the weeds and I sowed the seed Tried to be every single thing you need But I see that look in your dark brown eyes Like a storm rollin' into the western skies I can lock the gate, I can build a wall But I can't stop the highway's call. [Pre-Chorus] (A slow, thumping kick drum enters like a heartbeat) I used to think my sweat could buy your time. I used to think that making you smile was a crime against the dark. But you can't own a wandering spark. [Chorus] (Full acoustic band, mournful but powerful) 'Cause a man can work his fingers to the bone Try to turn a wooden house into a home But there's a gamble when the morning breaks If she's gonna leave with the choices she makes You can't cage a bird in a silken net... A woman only stays if she wants to be kept. Yeah, she only stays if she wants to be kept. [Verse 2] (Music strips back down, quiet and tense) Every sunrise holds a quiet threat A rolling of the dice, a heavy bet I can buy the dress, I can pour the wine But I can't make your heart beat in time with mine There's a suitcase sitting in the hall Just waiting on the devil or the road to call I can hold you tight in the midnight dark But I don't hold the deed to your wandering heart. [Pre-Chorus] (The slow kick drum returns, slightly louder) I used to think my sweat could buy your time. I used to think that making you smile was a crime against the dark. But you can't own a wandering spark. [Chorus] (Heavy, dark country groove, vocals are gritty and loud) 'Cause a man can work his fingers to the bone Try to turn a wooden house into a home But there's a gamble when the morning breaks If she's gonna leave with the choices she makes You can't cage a bird in a silken net... A woman only stays if she wants to be kept. [Bridge] (Music stops. Just the acoustic guitar playing a slow, sad melody) So I leave the front door open wide. There ain't no use in trying to hide From the bitter truth that a man must face When he loves a woman with a wild grace. I can give you the world... But the choice is yours to take it. [Guitar Solo] (A haunting, bluesy acoustic slide guitar solo over the slow drum beat) [Chorus] (One last time, singing with total, weary acceptance) 'Cause a man can work his fingers to the bone Try to turn a wooden house into a home But there's a gamble when the morning breaks If she's gonna leave with the choices she makes You can't cage a bird in a silken net... A woman only stays if she wants to be kept. [Outro] (Fading out slowly, just guitar and voice) If she wants to walk, then let her walk. Let the floorboards creak, let the neighbors talk. You can't buy a soul with the sweat you wept... She only stays if she wants to be kept. (Guitar plays one final, dark minor chord and rings out into silence) [End]