Why I Can't Leave
Small Town Love in a Different Gear
Lyrics
You never did care too much for this two lane town, did you, babe?
You never liked this small town much, right?
You've been talking 'bout getting out
You've been expressing a desire to leave.
Chasing them dreams down since seventh grade
Pursuing dreams since seventh grade.
And I can't blame you for the way God made you
I understand your nature is God-given.
You need more skyline than a water tower with your name on it
You aspire for a bigger skyline than a local water tower.
And I need more Chevrolet with a little bit of red dirt clay on it
I prefer a Chevrolet with some rural dirt on it.
And that's just you and that's just me
Individual preferences.
And that's just the way it's gotta be
Acceptance of differences.
Yeah, the main street's slow like them old tractor tires
Main street is slow, like old tractor tires.
Little rough around the edges like that rusty barbed wire
Comparing the town to rough barbed wire.
Baby, I know that ain't your speed
Acknowledgment that this environment isn't for you.
That's why you can't stay, that's why I can't leave
The incompatibility that keeps us apart.
You need more stations on your radio
You need more variety on the radio.
Them kind of places where the corn don't grow
A desire for different experiences.
Baby, I love you, but we both got dreams
Love, but recognition of individual dreams.
That's why you can't stay, that's why I can't leave
The reason for the separation.
We had a good run under that Southern sun, didn't we?
Reflecting on a good time in the South.
And you can call me up
Open communication about the town.
And I'll fill you in if you're missing this town and me
Willingness to share experiences.
I need a front porch view, but you need a balcony and
Differing preferences in living spaces.
No matter what, you know where I'll be
Assurance of constant presence.
Where the main street's slow like them old tractor tires
Comparing main street to old tractor tires.
Little rough around the edges like that rusty barbed wire
Continuing the comparison of the town.
Baby, I know that ain't your speed
Recognition of the town's pace not matching yours.
That's why you can't stay, that's why I can't leave
Reiteration of the reason for separation.
You need more stations on your radio
You desire more diversity in your life.
Them kind of places where the corn don't grow
Places where traditional life is absent.
Baby, I love you, but we both got dreams
Love exists, but dreams pull you apart.
That's why you can't stay, that's why I can't leave
Repeating the reason for the separation.
Oh, oh, oh
Emphatic expression of inability to leave.
Yeah, that's why I can't leave
Reiterating the central theme of staying despite challenges.
Yeah, the main street's slow like them old tractor tires
Recalling the slow pace of the main street.
Little rough around the edges like that rusty barbed wire
Continuing the metaphor of roughness in the town.
Baby, I know that ain't your speed
Acknowledging the mismatch in preferences.
That's why your daddy's out there loading up your Jeep
Highlighting the effort to accommodate differences.
Yeah, them Friday night lights ain't your kinda shine
The local shine doesn't match your style.
Wish I could, but I can't say it ain't mine
Admitting the personal connection to the town.
Little town like this, what you get is what you see
Acceptance of the town's simplicity.
That's why you can't stay, that's why I can't leave
Reiteration of the reason for the separation.
No, I can't leave
Final affirmation of the inability to leave.
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