BOTTOM OF THE BOTTLE BLUES

Verse 1 I’ve been riding with the outcasts, Sleeping where the trouble brews. Got a map of bad decisions Tattooed on these worn-out boots. Ain’t no sheriff gonna save me, Ain’t no preacher pulling strings. I learned more from busted barrooms Than a Bible ever brings. [Keep the vocal dry here, talk‑sing the first two lines] Chorus Got these bottom‑of‑the‑bottle blues, Where the truth hits hard and mean. Found a little backbone in the whiskey burn And the nights I shouldn’t’ve seen. I ain’t begging for forgiveness, Just a place to shake the dust off my shoes. Yeah, these bottom‑of‑the‑bottle blues Are the only thing I never outgrew. [Hold “blues” slightly longer; add slide guitar answer] Verse 2 I’ve seen cowboys lose their paychecks, Seen good men lose their pride. Heard a jukebox preach rebellion Like a prophet on the side. But I keep rolling into midnight, Same hat, same crooked grin. ’Cause the only law I answer to Is the one I carry within. [Add honky‑tonk piano stabs on lines 1 and 3] Chorus Got these bottom‑of‑the‑bottle blues, Where the truth hits hard and mean. Found a little backbone in the whiskey burn And the nights I shouldn’t’ve seen. I ain’t begging for forgiveness, Just a place to shake the dust off my shoes. Yeah, these bottom‑of‑the‑bottle blues Are the only thing I never outgrew. [Push the drums slightly harder here] Bridge Some folks chase salvation, Some chase a steady life. Me, I chase the freedom That comes with neon light. And maybe that ain’t noble, But it keeps my spirit right. [Drop instruments to bass + brushes, build back up] Final Chorus Got these bottom‑of‑the‑bottle blues, Where the truth hits hard and mean. Found a little backbone in the whiskey burn And the nights I shouldn’t’ve seen. I ain’t begging for forgiveness, Just a place to shake the dust off my shoes. Yeah, these bottom‑of‑the‑bottle blues Are the only thing I never outgrew. [End with a long slide guitar bend + vocal ad‑lib]