by Alex Wilson
Album
Coal Dust & Starlight
Genre
Country
Description
This upbeat country song captures the excitement of an unexpected romance sparked in a casual setting. With its energetic instrumentation and storytelling, it embodies a modern country vibe while depicting a shy protagonist stepping outside of their comfort zone.
Lyrics
Verse 1: (Acoustic guitar intro - fingerpicked, reminiscent of early Johnny Cash) Fiddle joins in, a driving beat Dust on my boots, another long shift beat Tailgate party, smellin' of beer and coal Never thought I'd be here, losin' all control Just came for the whiskey, to drown out the day Didn't expect her laugh, or the way she would sway Chorus: (Tempo picks up, fiddle becomes more prominent, drums kick in) Tailgate fire burnin' bright, under the Kentucky night Sparks flyin' higher than the pines, mixed with whiskey and sweet wine Didn't plan on this feelin', this rush, this surprise But that girl, she set my heart ablaze Verse 2: Fiddle plays a bluesy riff Her eyes, like the sky, clear, vast, and bright Talkin' 'bout nothin', but feelin' somethin' right Workin' hands, calloused and strong She held mine tight, all night long Coal dust on my shirt, sweat on her brow Didn't know heaven could feel like this somehow Chorus: Tailgate fire burnin' bright, under the Kentucky night Sparks flyin' higher than the pines, mixed with whiskey and sweet wine Didn't plan on this feelin', this rush, this surprise But that girl, she set my heart ablaze Bridge: (Tempo slows slightly, more emphasis on acoustic guitar and vocals - Chris Stapleton influence) Used to the silence, the shadows, the pain But her touch broke through, washed away the rain Never thought I'd find solace in a drunken haze But she showed me a kindness, in a thousand different ways Chorus: Tailgate fire burnin' bright, under the Kentucky night Sparks flyin' higher than the pines, mixed with whiskey and sweet wine Didn't plan on this feelin', this rush, this surprise But that girl, she set my heart ablaze (Fiddle and guitar outro - fades out)
Notes
A high-energy country song about an unexpected and passionate encounter at a tailgate party, told from the perspective of a young, hard-working coal miner who is usually reserved and avoids social interaction.