Brambles & Hot Sand DreadNek (Fire Cut)

[Start] [Intro – Cautious Banjo Skank / Lazy BeachGrass Bass] There’s brambles in the holler Hot sand by the sea Both got ways of teaching Where your bare feet ought to be Some weeks I walk easy Like I finally understand Then comes that little season Of brambles and hot sand [Verse 1] Morning started peaceful So I asked, “You sleep alright?” Apparently my timing Was somewhere left of right She said, “Do I look tired?” Now, friend, there is the gate I could say yes I could say no Both roads meet the same fate So I kissed her on the forehead Went to make us something sweet Yesterday she loved those pancakes Today? They are deceit I don’t question changing weather I don’t argue with the tide I put the pancakes in the fridge And keep my observations inside [Chorus] Brambles and hot sand Easy now, my man Watch where you’re stepping And abandon every plan Don’t explain the weather Don’t pretend you understand Just love that woman proper Through the brambles and hot sand Brambles and hot sand I do the best I can Got one foot in the mountains One beside the ocean strand She ain’t done nothing wrong I’m just poorly equipped to land So I tread a little gentler Through the brambles and hot sand [Verse 2] She said the room was freezing So I brought another throw Five minutes later, “Why’s it burning?” I said— [pause] Nothing. I know. I reached toward the window Then reconsidered that I have learned climate management Is an advanced diplomatic act Then she wanted something salty So I proudly brought the chips She looked at me like betrayal Had personally crossed her lips “Not those.” Naturally. My foolishness was vast So I fetched the emergency chocolate And approached neither slow nor fast [Pre-Chorus] There’s a goat trail through the briars There’s a reef beneath the foam And somehow I can navigate those Better than my own damn home [Chorus] Brambles and hot sand Easy now, my man Watch where you’re stepping And abandon every plan Don’t explain the weather Don’t pretend you understand Just love that woman proper Through the brambles and hot sand Brambles and hot sand I do the best I can Got one foot in the mountains One beside the ocean strand She ain’t done nothing wrong I’m just poorly equipped to land So I tread a little gentler Through the brambles and hot sand [Verse 3] Sometimes she wants cuddling Sometimes touching is a crime Sometimes both are somehow true At approximately the same time She’ll say, “Tell me what you’re thinking.” That sentence has a blade I once answered honestly A rookie move I made Sometimes tears come sudden And I reach to hold her near Then wonder if I’m comforting Or interfering over here So I ask, “You want some company?” She says, “What do you think?” Sweet mercy, there’s the bramble patch I need another drink [Break – Banjo Picking / Bass Rolls Low] I’ve crossed creeks on slick stones Walked beaches after dark Know better than to pet strange dogs Or swim around a shark I know when clouds mean thunder Know when high tide’s coming in Yet every month I rediscover I ain’t nearly as wise as I been So I don’t blame the moonlight I don’t curse the changing sea I just accept the weakest link In this arrangement might be me [Bridge – Warm, Tender] ’Cause she still got that big heart Still that strong and stubborn grace Still the brown hair in the morning Falling soft around her face If she needs a little patience I got plenty I can spare If she needs me ten feet distant I can love her from right there Bring the blanket Lose the blanket Find the snack she actually meant Listen when she wants me listening Keep opinions safely pent Love ain’t knowing every answer Sometimes love is holding ground And learning when the wisest thing Is shutting your damn fool mouth [Final Chorus] Brambles and hot sand Easy now, my man Watch where you’re stepping And abandon every plan Don’t explain the weather Don’t pretend you understand Just love that woman proper Through the brambles and hot sand Brambles and hot sand Still doing what I can Got one foot in the mountains One beside the ocean strand She ain’t done nothing wrong I’m just poorly equipped to land But I’ll tread a little gentler Through the brambles and hot sand [Outro – Banjo and Island Groove Loosen Up] Good thing I got some country in me And learned to hold on tight ’Cause there’s a bull-riding section Of the calendar every month And apparently... I volunteered to be the bull. [Banjo stumble] That explains a lot. [End]