Bayou my boy

Verse 1 Boy, I named you Bayou where the muddy waters run, Where the cypress trees whisper what your daddy’s done. Chrome and thunder raised me, that highway was my home, An outlaw with a six-string heart and a mind that loved to roam. I ain’t always been an angel, Lord knows I wore the flame, But every scar upon my knuckles carved your family name. Pre-Chorus So listen close, my young blood, To the rumble in my chest— It ain’t just that engine talking, It’s a father’s last request. Chorus If you gonna ride that iron horse, ride it righteously, If you gonna love that hell-fire life, do it honestly. Stand on ten toes like a man’s supposed to stand, Shake the devil’s hand but don’t you let him hold your hand. Be more than a man when the weak need your rod, But remember, my son—be less than a god. Verse 2 There’s a code between the broken, between the branded and the free, A brotherhood of midnight souls carved in loyalty. You’ll see the fast lights flashing, whiskey pouring like rain, Pretty lies in painted eyes and pleasure wrapped in pain. But a real one keeps his word even when it burns, And a true heart pays his debts ‘cause respect ain’t earned—it’s returned. Pre-Chorus When the road gets dark and empty, And your shadow’s your only friend, Let your backbone be your compass, Let your honor never bend. Chorus If you gonna ride that iron horse, ride it righteously, If you gonna love that hell-fire life, do it honestly. Stand on ten toes like a man’s supposed to stand, Take your licks, own your scars, never blame another man. Be more than a man when the weak need your rod, But remember, my son—be less than a god. Bridge (Spoken Blues Breakdown) I done seen kings fall off barstools, Seen saints steal and sinners pray. A man ain’t measured by the noise he makes— It’s by the promises he keeps when the spotlight fades. So if you wear my patch someday, Wear it humble, wear it proud— A lion don’t have to tell the world, son… He just walks tall through the crowd. Guitar Solo (Slow, Weeping Bend) Verse 3 Love your mama like a queen, protect your name like gold, Don’t let anger make you reckless, don’t let your spirit grow cold. There’s mercy in the mighty and power in restraint, Every outlaw ain’t a villain, every preacher ain’t a saint. And if they write about your life when your riding days are gone, Let ‘em say you stood for something—never that you stood alone. Final Chorus (Big, Soulful Choir Behind It) If you gonna ride that iron horse, ride it righteously, If you gonna walk that burning road, walk it honestly. Stand on ten toes like a man’s supposed to stand, Heart strong, eyes clear, steady hands. Be more than a man when the weak need your rod, But bow your head sometimes— Be less than a god. Outro (Soft, Fading) Bayou… When you hear that engine crying in the night, That’s just your daddy praying You ride it right.