Kettle Valley Run

[Intro – soft acoustic guitar strum, distant crow caw] Gravel crunches under tires Pines stretch up to summer skies [Verse 1 – steady drum beat, twangy electric guitar accent] Heading up Kettle Valley with my uncle Bush stretches out, no end to the horizon Roads are rough, One wrong turn and you’d fade to dust in the light [Pre-Chorus – rising harmonica line, gentle bass] Coffee steam curls through the cab Donut crumbs stick to my faded lap I sneak a Craven A, keep it quiet as can be A little secret just between you and me [Chorus – full band swell, foot-stomping rhythm] Loud songs bouncing off the fur trees Watching him hook logs, man, that was fine Best operator in the whole damn valley My buddy, my guide, [Verse 2 – acoustic fingerpicking, soft shaker] He built his name on steady hands and sharp eyes Loaded every log like he was reading the sky We swap stories, pass the snacks, laugh till our morning passed He never sugarcoats it, but he never makes me shake [Pre-Chorus – harmonica trill, building guitar] He says “Do it your way, kid, I’m just here to clue you in” Point out the potholes, help you find the win His grin’s as bright as the mill’s cedar steam Makes every tough mile feel like a dream [Chorus – layered vocals, driving bassline] Gravel roads and fresh mountain air Cedar smoke curling up through the air Best part of the run’s my uncle’s smile Makes every hard day feel worth the while [Interlude – bluesy harmonica solo, acoustic guitar backing] (Instrumental Solo) [Bridge – stripped-back acoustic, quiet vocals] He never flinches, never fakes the truth Stands by me when I’m lost, shows me the proof That the best things in life ain’t the shiny or new It’s the gravel, the logs, and the ones who stick to you [Final Chorus – full band, soaring harmonies] Loud songs bouncing off the pines Watching him hook logs, man, that was fine Best operator in the whole damn valley My buddy, my guide, my favorite ally [Outro – fading acoustic guitar, distant mill whistle] Gravel crunches under tires Pines stretch up to summer skies