Anti-Hero (I'm My Own Worst Rodeo)
Alex Wilson
Description
A gritty, country-fied take on the original 'Anti-Hero', this cover transforms introspective pop angst into a road-worn tale of small-town self-sabotage and reluctant charm. Sung from the perspective of a charmingly flawed character, it blends wry humor with raw vulnerability, set against a backdrop of dusty roads and honky-tonk heartbreak. Imagine a confessional sung around a bonfire, fueled by regret and cheap whiskey, with a twang that hides a knowing smile.
Lyrics
[Verse 1] I wake up in the truck bed, gravel stuck to my back Dreamin' of that girl who said she'd never come back 'Cause I'm a one-man wreckin' crew, burnin' bridges with a match Midnight regrets callin', pour another from the flask [Pre-Chorus] It's me, hi, I'm the storm cloud, it's me At the family reunion, everybody's whisperin' free I'll chase the sunrise but dodge my own reflection It's a full-time job cheerin' for this small-town rejection [Chorus] Sometimes I feel like the whole damn town's a prom queen parade And I'm the clown in the corner, nursin' a homemade lemonade Too broke to fit in, too proud to beg for a ride Heart full of buckshot, but I keep comin' back alive [Verse 2] Did you hear about the time I fixed the barn roof in the rain? (Oh, who could forget that flood?) One day she'll see I'm leavin' this ghost town in the dust I pull her close at the bonfire, then bolt when the sparks fly too high Life's a dirt-road demolition derby, and I'm the crash-test guy [Pre-Chorus] It's me, hi, I'm the heartache, it's me At supper table, Uncle Joe's just shakin' his head I'll holler at the moon but flinch from the man in the glass It's wearin' me ragged, backin' this underdog's ass [Bridge] I'm a whirlwind in work boots, kickin' up dust I can't settle One day I'll ride out clean, leavin' nothin' but a rebel I'll be the ghost story they tell 'round the firelight glow The fool who loved too hard, but damn if he didn't steal the show [Guitar Solo] (A simple, bluesy guitar riff in Em, building in intensity then fading back into the song) [Final Chorus] I'm the anti-hero, yeah! (Oh, it's me, hi, I'm the heartache, it's me) I'm the anti-hero, yeah! (At supper, everybody's judgin', you see) I'll holler at the moon but flinch from the man in the glass It's wearin' me ragged, backin' this underdog's ass [Outro] One day I'll ride out clean… or crash tryin' one last time. G'night, y'all—don't forget to tip your waitress.