Jump the Gorge
Alex Wilson
Description
A high-octane bluegrass-infused country romp that celebrates reckless abandon and small-town legend-making. "Jump the Gorge" tells the story of a daredevil and their trusty, beat-up Ford truck named Betty, attempting an impossible jump over a local gorge. Driven by a blazing train-strum acoustic guitar and a clawhammer banjo weaving a ramp-run groove, the song explodes in the chorus with a gritty baritone Telecaster and fiddle playing unison riffs. The upright bass walks the off-beats, while punchy kick and snare provide a driving backbeat reminiscent of tailgate parties. A harmonica wails during the breakdown, and short, fiery solos pass between the Telecaster, fiddle, and banjo. Gang vocals lift the final chorus, creating a raw, energetic, and spontaneous live feel that captures the spirit of the story.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Tommy’s white-knuckled on my sleeve sayin’, “Buddy, don’t you dare,” “I seen that creek chew bumpers, son—she’ll eat that truck for spare.” But Betty’s got that crooked grin, primer gray and dented pride, Three on the tree, a dashboard rosary of duct tape hangin’ wide. I chalked the ramp on feed-sack math—two pallets, one old door, Said, “Tommy, hold my sweet tea—watch a legend leave the shore.” Pre-Chorus He says, “Use your head.” I say, “I did— It told my heart to take the lid.” Chorus Gonna jump the gorge in Betty tonight, Headlights aimed at a patch of sky. If I land on halo, I’ll wave it hello, If I land in rhododendron, I’ll still die a pro. Tommy yells, “Don’t!” but I’m hearin’ “Go!”— This story needs a porch, a crowd, and smoke. Yeah, jump the gorge—let the holler record: It’s me, not sense, behind this Ford. Verse 2 Tommy’s got a ratchet set and every prayer he knows, Checks my lug nuts like a surgeon, shakes his head and goes, “Betty’s forty years of potholes, leaks, and borrowed parts— This ain’t NASCAR glory; it’s a coupon for new hearts.” I pat the fender, whisper low, “Girl, we always liked a dare.” Tommy shoves a helmet at me: “At least pretend you care.” Pre-Chorus He says, “Live to drink and laugh at this.” I say, “Laughs ain’t free—you buy ‘em with risk.” Chorus Gonna jump the gorge in Betty tonight, Tailgate hummin’ like a neon sign. If I kiss the gravel, let ‘em paint the road, “Here lies physics—outvoted by bold.” Tommy yells, “Don’t!” but I’m hearin’ “Go!”— Crowd’s countin’ down like a metronome. Yeah, jump the gorge—let the ridge applaud: Two fools, one truck, and a wink from God. Breakdown (Talk-Sing) Tommy: “Man, this ramp’s a rumor.” Me: “Rumors fly.” Tommy: “So will you… straight down.” Me: “Trust the porch-math.” Tommy: “You used chalk.” Me: “Chalk is science that erases easy.” Instrumental Bridge (Banjo Solo - Fast, furious, and slightly chaotic. Fiddle answers with a soaring, slightly sarcastic riff. Telecaster joins in with a bluesy lick.) Verse 3 Clutch out—Betty coughs—then clears her righteous throat, Carb breath sweet as county fair and second-hand remote. Rocks blur past; time slows up; a gnat waves how-you-been, Tommy’s “Nooooo” turns into wind, then into violin. We’re weightless over blackberry and gossip, thorns and lore— Betty lands like church bells… then we bounce once more. Lifted Chorus We jumped the gorge—Betty, me, and grit, Skid-mark autograph where tires kissed it. If I’d met the laurel, I’d still sign the tale, “Some dreams ain’t meant for brakes to scale.” Tommy runs up cussin’, then laughs till he cries, Says, “You absolute idiot… I’m proud you’re alive.” Yeah, jump the gorge—write it on the store, “CLOSED FOR CHEERING: BETTY SOARED.” Tag Tommy’s hand on my shoulder, “Let’s never again.” I grin at Betty’s hood: “So… same time when?” Outro (A final, quick run of the chorus riff by the fiddle and banjo, fading out with the sound of Betty's engine sputtering happily.)