ain't no living in Oklahoma

[Intro – soft strummed acoustic guitar, distant train whistle] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – steady foot-stomp rhythm, harmonica hum in background] Dust clings tight to my work boots Crop fields dry where the rain never roots Landlord’s knock comes before dawn Empty pockets, nothing to pawn [Pre-Chorus – building guitar strums, rising harmonica note] Sun burns hot on the back of my neck Every dream I had’s on the brink of wreck [Chorus – full band kick-in, twangy electric guitar accent] Ain’t no living in Oklahoma Dirt roads lead to nowhere slow Prayed for rain till my voice went hoarse Ain’t no living in this lost cause [Verse 2 – slightly faster strum, harmonica riff between lines] Old truck’s dead by the county line Kids cry hungry most every time Preacher says the Lord’s got a plan I ain’t seen it, ain’t holding my hand [Pre-Chorus 2 – louder guitar, harmonica wail] Gas tank’s empty, wallet’s thin Ain’t no way to win this fight I’m in [Chorus 2 – layered vocals, heavier drum beat] Ain’t no living in Oklahoma Dust storms steal the little I know Worked my bones till they ache and crack Ain’t no living where the hope don’t stack [Bridge – stripped-back acoustic, quiet harmonica] Packed my bag by the kitchen light Kissed my kids, said I’ll make it right Got one ticket out of this town Ain’t coming back till my luck turns around [Solo – bluesy harmonica solo, gritty guitar backing] (Instrumental Solo) [Chorus 3 – full band crescendo, raw vocal delivery] Ain’t no living in Oklahoma Leaving tonight before the sun comes up Gonna find a place where the rain falls true Ain’t no living here, I’m through [Outro – fading acoustic strum, distant harmonica fade] Dust fades behind me as I drive Ain’t no looking back, ain’t no reason to try