Gas Station Roses
Alex Wilson
Description
A heartwarming and humorous Americana track that celebrates the unsung heroes of relationships: gas station roses. Set in D major, the song features a driving acoustic shuffle, layered with pedal steel, subtle synth pads, and tight percussion. The chorus explodes with stacked harmonies, bold electric guitar riffs, handclaps, and a punchy sub-bass, creating a dynamic and uplifting feel. The bridge offers a brief respite with a soulful dobro solo before the energetic full-band finale, capturing the relatable experience of last-minute apologies and desperate romantic gestures.
Lyrics
[Intro] (Bright acoustic guitar riff, hand claps, "hey hey" vocals) Ba da da da, ba da da da [Verse 1] Tommy's doing ninety down Route 65 Anniversary dinner was supposed to be at five Stops at the Chevron, grabs the best of what's left Twelve bucks for forgiveness wrapped in cellophane and breath Sarah's meeting Tyler from that dating app Running late 'cause she couldn't find the right ball cap Grabs a bunch of yellow ones to match her sundress Sometimes Cupid works the register at the Texaco Express [Pre-Chorus] They ain't from no fancy flower shop Next to the beef jerky and the soda pop But when you need a miracle at ten p.m. Thank God for... [Chorus] Gas station roses, five kinds of sorry in a bunch Gas station roses, for when you mess up or miss lunch They're sitting by the lottery tickets Right there with the last-minute fixes Wrapped up in plastic, love in distress Gas station roses - hey, desperate times, desperate measures (Ba da da da, ba da da da) Gas station roses, saving asses since forever [Verse 2] Jenny's at the Shell 'cause her husband had to work Their daughter's first recital and she's feeling like a jerk Buys three bunches just to fill the empty seat Sometimes love looks like wilted stems and a receipt Marcus hits the BP after one too many beers Said some things he shouldn't, now he's shifting through the gears Parks outside her apartment with those roses and a prayer 'Cause nothing says "I'm sorry" like flowers from nowhere [Pre-Chorus] They ain't gonna win no beauty prize Half dead already, full of white lies But when you need a Hail Mary at half past ten Thank God for... [Chorus] Gas station roses, five kinds of sorry in a bunch Gas station roses, for when you mess up or miss lunch They're sitting by the lottery tickets Right there with the last-minute fixes Wrapped up in plastic, love in distress Gas station roses - hey, desperate times, desperate measures (Ba da da da, ba da da da) Gas station roses, saving asses since forever [Bridge] From the Conoco to the Circle K They're moving roses every single day 'Cause somewhere somebody's running late Somebody's wrong, somebody's wait--ing... By the coffee and the energy drinks Between the motor oil and the kitchen sinks There's a rainbow of apologies Ninety-nine cent guarantees That you're trying! [Guitar Solo] (Electric guitar solo with a country twang, building in intensity) [Final Chorus] Gas station roses, five kinds of sorry in a bunch Gas station roses, breakfast tacos of the romance punch They're sitting by the scratch-off dreams Right there with the "forgive me" schemes Wrapped up in plastic, love in distress Gas station roses - hey, desperate times, desperate measures [Outro-Chorus] Gas station roses (hey!) Everybody knows it (hey!) When you're in the doghouse That's the way it goes, it's Gas station roses (ba da da da) Saving our asses (ba da da da) Gas station roses Since forever and ever, amen! (Hey, hey, hey!) [Outro] Next time you're in trouble, here's what you do Hit up the Exxon on Avenue Two And if they're out of roses, don't you fret or frown Just grab a Slim Jim, turn your car around!