Risk it for the brisket

There’s a little smoke rollin’ off Highway 72, Sun’s settin’ low on that old red hue, Boots by the door, apron on the hook, I got a love affair in an oak wood cook. She says, “You missed dinner, you missed my call,” But that pit’s been talkin’ since early fall, Friends at the bar say, “Man, where you been?” I just point at the smoke and grin. Pre-Chorus Yeah, I know what I’m sacrificin’, Every hour, every weekend night in… Chorus I’d risk it for the brisket, let the whole world wait, Low and slow love on a paper plate, Heart in the fire, soul in the pit, If I gotta choose, I’m choosin’ it. Wedding rings, Friday nights, and all the rest, Can’t compete with that smoky kiss, Yeah life’s got choices, I’ll admit it — But I’ll risk it for the brisket. Verse 2 She packed her bags one summer night, Said, “It’s you or that smoker outside,” I stood there quiet, hat in my hand, Watchin’ her taillights leave that land. Mama calls sayin’, “Son, come home,” But I’m trimmin’ fat down to the bone, Best friend’s weddin’, I RSVP’d, But the bark set right at 2:15. Pre-Chorus Yeah I know folks say I’m crazy, But that smoke ring saves me… Chorus I’d risk it for the brisket, let the whole world wait, Low and slow love on a paper plate, Heart in the fire, soul in the pit, If I gotta choose, I’m choosin’ it. Cold beer warm, and the lights stay dim, While that post oak burns again, Yeah life’s got choices, I’ll admit it — But I’ll risk it for the brisket. Bridge (soft, stripped down) When the night gets quiet and the coals burn low, It’s just me and that steady glow, No judge, no clock, no second guess, Just time, smoke, and tenderness. Chuckwagon sign creakin’ in the breeze, Smells like home, smells like peace… Final Chorus (emotional lift) I’d risk it for the brisket, every tear and fight, Every lonely Saturday night, Love may fade, and friends may split, But the fire stays where I commit. From the first cut slice to the last admit, This life’s been built around that pit, Yeah I’ve lost a lot, but I ain’t quittin’ — I’ll always risk it for the brisket. Outro (spoken/soft sung) Under the Chuckwagon glow, Smoke in the Texas night… Some men chase gold, some chase dreams, Me? I chase that perfect slice.