Cover Gig

Barstool in the corner, worn-out strings
My suit and tie is a t-shirt, boots, and jeans
Your nine-to-five is my ten-to-two
Where I get free beer and pay to pay my dues

I know a little Tom Waits and a lot of Steve Earle
My tip jar works on 20's or a smile from a pretty girl
It's all about the money, it ain't about makin' it big
This ain't the Grand Ole Opry, no, it's just a cover gig

Sweet Home Alabama and Last Dance with Mary Jane
From the up-and-comers to the old road runners
Still tryin' to light the flame
Yeah, you might find a shortcut, but the road always begins
With a cheap guitar, a smoky bar, a dream, and a cover gig

I hear it all the time, "why ain't you on the radio?"
I got a friend up in Nashville, he owns a studio
It always makes me laugh, I feel like a big wig
On a barstool in the corner of a cover gig

Hotel California, Sweet Melissa, and Night Moves
From the up-and-comers to the old road runners
Singin' someone else's blues
Yeah, you might find a shortcut, but the road always begins
With a cheap guitar, a smoky bar, a dream, and a cover gig

Find you a cheap guitar, a smoky bar, a dream, and a cover gig
A cover gig