Eighteen Gears From Home

Lyrics

Verse 1
Coffee in a paper cup
Bug-splattered windshield dawn
Logbook says I’m makin’ good time
Heart says I been gone too long
Her crayon sun on my dash
Smilin’ in that crooked frame
Tiny handprint on my T-shirt
Still smells like apple shampoo and rain

Chorus
Eighteen gears from home
Jake brakes cryin’ down these hills
Every mile I roll
Just another space I gotta fill
Got the radio hummin’ but I still feel alone
Chasin’ dotted lines and paychecks
Eighteen gears from home
And one little girl in my chest (yeah)

Verse 2
Phone call at the fuel stop
“Daddy, did you see my dance?”
Signal cut out on her giggle
God, I hate leavin’ it to chance
Stuffed bear ridin’ shotgun
Seat belt ‘round that matted fur
I talk out loud to the empty
Like every mile I’m talkin’ to her

Chorus
Eighteen gears from home
Jake brakes cryin’ down these hills
Every mile I roll
Just another space I gotta fill
Got the radio hummin’ but I still feel alone
Chasin’ dotted lines and paychecks
Eighteen gears from home
And one little girl in my chest (oh)

Bridge
One day I’ll hang these keys
On a nail by her bedroom door
Watch her sleep from a real chair
Not in a truck stop, wantin’ more
‘Til then it’s steel and white lines
And whisperin’ her name at night

Chorus
Eighteen gears from home
Jake brakes cryin’ down these hills
Every mile I roll
Is one mile closer and it’s real
Got her picture on my visor so I ain’t alone
Chasin’ Friday’s front porch sunset
Eighteen gears from home
To one little girl and her dad back home (yeah)