Country's Just a State of Mind
Alex Wilson
Description
At ~96 BPM in G major, start with worn-in acoustic guitar and thumping kick with brushed snare, setting a rootsy rhythm on the verse (G–D–Em–C), Fiddle hooks weave in response to the gritty close-miked vocal, Chorus lifts with pedal-steel swells, walking bass, and the progression (G–Em–C–D), A subtle modern pad glimmers beneath the bridge, adding atmosphere without crowding the mix
Lyrics
[Verse 1] Rented room above a tyre shop, box fan hummin’ warm July, Pay stub folded in a coffee tin, grease still under my nails tonight. Neighbor’s Ford won’t turn at dawn, I’m out there with jumper leads, He shakes my hand and grins, “You saved my shift” — that’s country far as I need. [Pre-Chorus] Ain’t about a skyline, wheat field or pines, It’s showin’ up when the day gets mean. [Chorus] ’Cause country’s just a state of mind, not a ZIP code on a sign, It’s a calloused hand and a promise kept, and a back you straighten proud. It’s passin’ hats for hard-hit folks, and prayin’ soft without a sound, If you carry that inside your bones — you’re country, same as mine. [Verse 2] Night shift nurse on break at three, cracked phone, cold fries, tired eyes, Wheels a stranger’s mama down the hall, stays late though her meter’s fines. Line cook wipes the grill lights out, splits his tips with the new kid shy, Text from home says rent is due — he laughs, says, “We’ll be alright.” [Pre-Chorus] I’ve seen it in the city glow, on county roads and trains, In people holdin’ doors for folks who never knew their names. [Chorus] ’Cause country’s just a state of mind, not a ZIP code on a sign, It’s a busted boot but a steady stride, it’s yes sir, I won’t quit. It’s keepin’ faith when the numbers don’t, and makin’ one more shift. If you carry that inside your bones — you’re country, same as mine. [Bridge] It’s patched-up jeans and borrowed time, a lunch pail full of hope, It’s learnin’ how to fix what breaks with Haynes-stained kind of notes. It’s “take my seat,” “have my coat,” “you go first, I’ll wait in line,” It ain’t on maps or license plates — it’s carved in how you try. [Chorus – up a gear, fiddle answering every line] Country’s just a state of mind, not a ZIP code on a sign, It’s waterin’ graves on Sunday morn and clockin’ in by nine. It’s tellin’ truth when truth is hard, and keepin’ love alive, If you carry that inside your bones — you’re country, same as mine. [Tag / Outro] Box fan hums, street goes quiet, neon flickers closed for night, I set my boots by the window light — feel that country on the inside.