Number 28

[record instruments and vocals with the clarity and balance of an Al Schmitt recording, but do not apply any mixing, EQ, reverb, compression, or mastering] [deliver raw, dry, unprocessed stems, suitable for further mixing and stem separation] [vocals should be clear, natural, and present, sitting above the mix without excessive brightness, harshness, or effects] [fixed tempo 120 bpm] [final master] [Verse 1] We were driving down that coastal road, Cold wind on the North Sea’s face. Valentine’s night, the sun was low, Snow lay quiet on the place. Then my wife looked over and said, There’s a sheep flat on its back. Her voice broke the silence in the car, So I slowed us down on the track. [Verse 2] I stepped across that wire fence, Frost biting into my boots. Snow lay still on the open field, The world had fallen mute. Her legs were stiff, she lay belly‑up, The others stood so near. That’s when I saw the numbered tag, Number twenty‑eight on her ear. [Bridge] I rolled her gently on her side, Felt the shiver, heard a sigh. Then life came creeping slowly in, Like dawn across the sky. [Chorus, hook] Mercy found us out there, Under that northern sky. Life was hanging upside down, When hope was running dry. We turned around, took our chance, On a little twist of fate. And love came breathing back again, In the heart of number twenty‑eight. [Verse 3] Now I think about that fragile soul, When I watch the setting sun. How close we drift to freezing cold, Before our race is run. How love took shape on Valentine’s, On a frozen, nameless plain. Maybe grace just wears a woolen coat, To remind us all the same. [Chorus, hook] Mercy found us out there, Under that northern sky. Life was hanging upside down, When hope was running dry. We turned around, took our chance, On a little twist of fate. And love came breathing back again, In the heart of number twenty‑eight. [Bridge] I rolled her gently on her side, Felt the shiver, heard the sigh. And love came creeping back again, Like dawn across the sky. [Outro] In the heart of number twenty‑eight, Love came breathing back again. Yeah, love came breathing back again.